Rating: R
Summary: Malek and Elise risk everything to fulfil their dream
AN1: Serum developed and adapted from something Pagan said.
AN2: Italics in normal speech indicate the host using the symbiotes voice.
AN3: Chapter 2 based heavily on something written by Tels and Steph a couple of years ago. Edited, reworked and rewritten for this story by Tels Oct 2006.

Risks
By Tels

Chapter One.

Malek sat on the bed, dressed only in a pair of loose pants, looking over a report. He had retired a while ago, fully expecting Elise to already be there. He looked up as Elise came into their quarters. “Hey,” he said putting the report down. “We were beginning to think you were spending the night in the healing chambers.”

Elsie sat wearily on the bed next to him. “As much as I like Jacob's company, he is not in the best of moods right now.” She looked at him. “But then nor are you when you are injured.”

Malek grabbed her and pulled her down beside him. “I do not wish to discuss Jacob,” he told her. “Or Selmak, or how they managed to get hurt this time.” His hands slid to the fastenings on her tunic and his lips softly brushed her neck.

She tilted her head to give him better access. “And what do you want to discuss then,” she whispered.

Malek smiled. “For one thing why you are still dressed and for another… have we told you how much we love you today?”

Elise reached up and pulled the fastening from her hair, allowing the long blonde locks to cascade over her shoulders. “No you have not,” she said.

Malek's hands slid the tunic down her arms, her undershirt following it. “Then I had better tell you,” he said. He ran kisses down her body. “We love you,” he said.

She shivered as his touch brought her out in goose bumps. “And we love you.” She slid her hands down his chest to his waist, slipping her finger tips under the waistband of his pants.

Malek paused in kissing her and raised his face to hers. “Can I help you?” he asked using one of Jared's phrases.

Her hands slid lower removing the rest of his clothes, her lips seeking out his. “I think you might be able to.”

He kissed her pulling close to him. He pulled off her clothes tossing them to the floor to join his, eager to share his love with her.

Elise returned that love, kiss for kiss and touch for touch. She and Talia swapped as fast as Malek and Jared were, the four of them always present in their lovemaking. Both symbiotes so in tune with their hosts it was impossible to tell when one began and the other ended.

An hour later, Talia lay in Jared's arms, her heart racing and a soft sheen of sweat covering her body.

“Penny for them,” he said kissing her cheek.

“Just thinking about things,” she said, running a finger across his chest.

Jared looked at her. “Tell me?” he asked.

“About how much I wish I could give you a son.”

He looked at her. “Oh hon, we've talked about this over and over. It's not possible.”

“I know,” she said. “I wish so much that it were. Most women have had two or three by my age.”

Jared kissed her. “But I have you both,” he said. “And you make my life complete.”

Talia nodded. She laid her head on his chest and gently ran her fingers against his skin as he let sleep claim him. She didn't sleep, too caught up in her own thoughts.

Malek woke as he felt his chest get first damp and then wet. As he came to he realised it was tears and the woman in his arms was sobbing hard. “My love?” he asked.

Talia just cried harder, his name on her lips barely coherent.

“Sshh my love,” he whispered, running a hand over her to comfort her. “What is wrong? Did we hurt you?”

Talia shook her head, crying inconsolably.

Malek felt totally helpless, just held her closely, talking to her, kissing her head, assuring her he was there. After a while he felt the subtle change that indicated that Elise had taken control. He pushed her hair back from her face. “Hon?” he asked worriedly.

Elise took a couple of breaths that sounded more like deep sobs then raised her face slightly to look at him. “Sorry,” she whispered.

Malek shook his head slightly. “Do not be sorry my love. Did we hurt you? Or do something wrong?” He gently wiped the tears.

“No,” she whispered. “You did nothing wrong my love.”

Malek kissed her gently. “Then what is wrong?”

Elise took a deep breath. “We can not give you what we want,” she whispered. “She feels she is failing you, that she is incomplete.”

Malek closed his eyes, knowing what she meant. Jared too longed for a son, but they had not told their mate this for fear of making her longing more unbearable than it already was.

“She knows it is not possible, that it breaks the laws we live by, but it does not stop the longing within her.”

Malek looked at her. “There maybe a way,” he said quietly. “But there are no guarantees.”

Elise looked at him. “How?” she asked.

“A Harsesis child can be prevented if both hosts are fore at the moment of conception. It also requires the mother's symbiote to purposely refuse to pass on the genetic memory. If both conditions are met then the chances are that the resulting baby would be a normal human child. But it has not been done before, it is just theory. And the risks are great.”

Elise caught her breath. “The risks would be worth it. We want this so much.”

Malek nodded. “But we need to get the timing right.”

Elise smiled. “I will know when.”

He looked at her seriously. “If we do this, you know what the consequences will be.”

“I do but you do not understand what this is like. To live like this, having a longing fill you, a need that can not be satisfied any other way.”

Malek ran a hand down her face. “But I do… Jared also longs for a son. We just never said anything because we did not want to upset you further.”

“She was pregnant when she died. Sue-Lyn I mean?”

Malek nodded. “That haunts his dreams even now. The joy he felt when she told him, despite the fact it was wrong.”

“Wrong?”

He took a deep breath. “Jared's people had very strong beliefs about how a couple should behave in and out of marriage. A wife should be chaste on her wedding night.”

“But she was killed on their wedding day… Oh I see…”

Malek smiled. “Had they been caught they would have been stoned to death. Not that that stopped either of them.”

Elise pushed herself up on one elbow, her hair falling over Malek's chest. “Because it was something they both wanted very much. Like this child.” She looked at him. “Be honest with me… if the laws were not there, would you refuse our request?”

Malek looked deep into her eyes. “You know I would not,” he said softly. “But if we do this, there is no going back.”

She looked at him. “Talia's people have a saying. You pays your money and you takes your chances. If something is worth having then we fight for it.”

He leaned forwards and kissed her. “Then we do it. Let me know when and we can ensure just our hosts are fore. You and I can do what is needed.”

Elise smiled. “Thank you.”

He stroked her hair. “Welcome… now sleep my loves. You have another long day ahead of you.”

She nodded and laid her head back on his chest, closing her eyes.

Malek listened to her breathing slow as she relaxed into sleep and lay there thinking for a while before he too fell back asleep.

--- ---

Two weeks later Elise came to find Malek in his office. “Malek are you busy?”

Malek put the report down and held out a hand. “Never too busy for you,” he said. “How has your morning been?”

“The usual. Selmak came in with a twisted knee. She claims Jacob did it but he does not go rock climbing.”

Malek laughed. “No.”

Elise handed over the padd. “I thought you would want to see this.”

He took it and looked at her. “Oh?”

“Just read it.”

Malek glanced down and read the padd, his smile widening. “Now?”

She looked at him. “Anytime over the next 24 hours will do…”

“You are sure about this?” he asked deleting what was on the padd and then handing it back to her.

Elise nodded. “Yes.”

“Then I will deal with it. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.” He paused. “Have you eaten yet?”

She shook her head. “Not yet.”

He stood. “Then let me escort you to lunch.”

--- ---

That night Talia came into the room to find Jared sprawled in the bed in the way that only Jared did, with the sheet across his hips the only thing keeping him decent. She took her tunic off laying it on the side, aware that he was watching her every move. “Hi.”

He smiled at her. “Hey Talli. No Elle tonight then?”

Talia shook her head. “No, she's tired.” She finished changing into the satin nightgown that accentuated the curves of her figure and smiled at him. “What are you doing?”

He reached up and grabbed her, pulling her onto the bed, giggling at the slight scream she gave. “Well I was waiting for this gorgeous blonde I know.”

“Oh really?”

Jared nodded, running his hands slowly over her body. “Yup. Hair down to her mid back, blue eyes, fantastic figure and absolutely great in bed, but it doesn't look like she's coming so I'll make do with you instead.”

Talia looked at him in mock shock. “You brat!” she said.

Jared laughed. “Don't you call me a brat.”

Talia pushed him onto his back, straddling his hips, the nightgown riding up slightly. “I'll call you what I want,” she told him.

Jared slid one hand round her waist, the feel of the satin under his fingers and knowing that thin layer of fabric was all that separated his fingers from her heightening his arousal. He moved his other hand slowly over her neck to loosen her hair. “Oh will you now?”

She nodded, teasing her fingers across his chest. “Yeah. Brat.”

“And that makes you a brat's mate,” he said.

Talia poked her tongue out at him. “Least you didn't call me a tunnel rat.”

Jared laughed. “Nah, that's what Mal calls you.” He slowly pulled down the satin straps, letting the fabric of her nightgown pool around her hips.

“Speaking of Mal… where is he?”

Jared slid his hands up the length of her body pulling the cloth with him then tossed it onto the floor. “Well that's nice. You're in bed with me and asking about another man.”

Talia glared at him. “You know what I mean…”

Jared nodded. “He's snoring which means…” he said wickedly sliding his hands over her hips,

“Snoring?”

He nodded. “Snoring. This means I don't have to share you tonight.” He watched her arch back as his fingers reached their target. “I take it the idea pleases you?”

Talia looked at him, her eyes darkening with arousal and love. “You do please me,” she told him.

Jared grinned at her. “Not as much as I intend to.” He twisted his hips rolling her over. He stretched out over her, kissing her gently but with growing passion. He moved downwards, kissing and laving every inch of her skin until he had her writhing beneath him. Slowly he took her to new heights, loving her with everything he had. He kissed her as she exploded beneath him, following her over the edge moments later.

They came down slowly kissing and stroking each other, then relaxed into each others arms and slept. Malek slept too, having done what he needed to do to ensure Jared was fertile and the DNA was purely his. Within Talia, Elise smiled to herself and at the moment of conception, did what she needed to do. Normally, she made conditions in the womb impossible to conceive, but this time, she let it happen and blocked the genetic memory from the DNA. The rest was in the hands of the fates.

--- ---

Six weeks later.

Malek watched concerned as Talia made a bolt for the small toilet attached to their chamber. He listened to her heave and throw up. This was the 6 th day running the morning had begun this way. She was also pale and off her food. Getting up he moved over to the doorway. “Hon?” he called. There was no answer. He moved into the room and crouched down beside her. “Are you alright?”

Talia paused in her heaving. “Do I look alright?” she asked.

“No, you look sick. Let me get the scanner or one of the healers.”

“I'm not sick,” she said.

“You are throwing up,” Malek told her bluntly. “You have been throwing up for over a week.”

Talia looked at him. “As pregnant women tend to do,” she whispered.

Malek looked at her. “Pregnant?”

She nodded. “Yes my love. Six weeks.”

Malek smiled. “It worked.” He said and hugged her. “I am so glad.”

Jared came fore tightening his grip into a huge bear hug. “That's wonderful!” he said. “I don't believe it.”

Talia looked at him tears in her eyes. “Nor do I but Elise says I am. And I am late.”

He grinned at her, knowing her cycle almost as well as she did. “I had noticed but I can't say I didn't miss not being able to touch you for a week.”

Talia nodded. “I didn't miss it at all, but I don't enjoy being this sick every morning either.”

He hugged her. “But a baby.” He pulled back slightly and rested a hand on her stomach. “We need to be careful my love.”

Elise came fore. “We will be. And now I must get to the healing chambers.”

Malek looked at her. “You should eat, especially now. And we need to talk.” He paused. “Seriously talk.”

She nodded. “I know and we will… later.” She kissed him. “We love you. See you later.”

Malek watched her head from the room. ~So you are not all pleased then?~ he teased Jared.

Jared thumped him. ~Are you kidding? It's the most wonderful news ever. We're going to be a father Mal…~ He paused. ~Why? What's wrong?~

~Nothing~ Malek said finally allowing his joy to fill him. ~You are right. It is fantastic news.~

~She didn't say when she was due, I guess in just over 34 weeks time.~

~For all we know full term might not be 40 weeks for Talia. It is not something we have ever discussed.~

Jared shook his head. ~Well then maybe you should discuss it, I want to know when my son is due.~

~That's my daughter actually…~ Malek teased. He pushed aside all thoughts of having to send her away and the ramifications of what they had done. He dressed and headed to his office to read the overnight despatches.

--- ---

That evening Malek arrived at the healing chambers just as Elise was finishing up. He walked up behind her and touched her arm gently. “Walk with me,” he said slightly formally as there were others in the room.

She looked at him and smiled. “Of course. Just so long as eating is not involved.”

He gave her one of his looks. “Walk first, eat later,” he told her, his tone indicating neither was an option. He led her into the tunnels to the rings, his two personal guards, Ohlarin and Harvira bringing up the rear.

The sun was setting casting its golden hue over the cooling sands. They walked hand in hand in silence for a while then Malek sat drawing her down beside him. He took both her hands in his and looked at her. “So when is the baby due?” he asked.

“In 28 weeks,” she said.

Malek looked at her. “That only makes 34 weeks in total unless your dates are wrong?”

Elise nodded. “No that is correct. Women of Talia's planet reach term at 34 weeks, though it is not unheard of for the baby to come at 31 weeks.”

Malek nodded and then looked at her seriously. “Elle,” he said unsure of how to say what he had to. Unsure of how to phrase it, unsure of how she would take it and afraid he could not do it.

Elise looked at him. “Mal, I know what you are going to say and it is alright. Talia and I have talked this through. She knows what I have to do and is prepared to impersonate me for the next few months.”

~What?~ Jared asked.

Malek nodded. “I was wondering about that.”

“Within the next twenty hours or so,” Elise told him slowly, watching the light go out of his eyes.

~WHAT?~ Jared shrieked. ~Why the hell didn't you warn me if you knew!? You've had all day Malek!~

Malek looked at her. “By rights you should already have done so.”

Elise nodded. “According to my research it is not strictly necessary during the early stages of pregnancy unless the child is Harsesis. This one is not but we are not prepared to take the risk. Now I know there is no risk of spontaneous miscarriage I will go dormant.” She paused. “Besides I wanted to see your face when Talia told you.”

Malek nodded and held up a hand. “One moment,” he said. “Jared is throwing a blue fit here.”

Elise smiled. “Then you had better let him speak before he goes up in smoke.”

Jared came fore and letting go of her hand, glared at her. “So why not tell me sooner either of you?” he said angry at both Malek and Elise. “Instead of just dumping it on me like this. In the space of a few hours we've gone from hey I'm having your baby to by the way you won't see me for the next however many months Talia's pregnancy lasts for!” He paused. “So what's Talia expected to do? Pretend to be you all the time?”

She grabbed his hand. “Slow down. Like I said she and I have gone over this and there is a way around this. Yes I have to go dormant but by taking the serum I can still communicate with Talia. I just will not be able to come fore or take control of our body.”

Jared humphed, still not happy. “So how come she and Malek knew about this and I didn't?”

Elise gripped his hand tightly. “Jarrie… with a Goa'uld/host pregnancy if the symbiote comes fore the baby will be born. There has never been a Tok'ra pregnancy before. No one knows what will happen but I am not prepared to risk it by staying fore much longer.” She looked at him, her eyes searching his. “Hon, Talia can impersonate me very easily. She has my knowledge and expertise. She has you and Mal. And with this serum she can communicate with me. She will be fine.”

Jared looked at her. “What serum?” he asked echoing Malek's question. “That's the second time you've mentioned it.”

Elise took a deep breath. “It is something I have been working on for several months. A theory of Malek's actually as a treatment for symbiote suspension syndrome.”

Jared's brow creased and he let Malek fore. “That was a theory,” he told her dryly. “The drug did not work. I destroyed all my notes.”

She looked at him. “Not all. I still had the copy you left with me. I combined it with the tretonin research. The serum works Mal.”

He frowned. “I do not think it prudent,” he began.

“You can check my research yourself when we get back,” she said cutting him off. “Bottom line is it works. A dormant symbiote can communicate with its host. We tested it on ourselves a while back.”

Malek pulled back. “Are you crazy?!” he yelled. He got to his feet and walked across the sand away from her.

~Oops~ Talia said. ~That went well.~

~Ya think?~ Elise shot back, throwing one of Talia's more common expressions back at her.

~Let me talk to him.~

~He will not want to talk to anyone.~

Talia took control and ran across the sand. “Malek, wait up!” she called.

Malek turned, waiting for her to catch him up. “Have you any idea what you have done?” he asked furiously.

She looked at him. “Yes actually. We found a partial cure for symbiote suspension syndrome. A way to help both host and symbiote until something else can be found. There are no side effects and it works.”

“And on an unborn baby?” he hissed.

Talia looked at him. “Mal, I would not do this if there was a risk and nor would Elise.” She looked away. “But if that's what you want to believe then so be it. I'll be inside if you want me.” She turned and ran back towards the rings.

Malek stood there for a moment then ran after her. “Talli!”

She stopped and stood still but did not turn round.

Malek reached her and turned her to face him, shocked to find tears running unrestrained down her face. He pulled her into a hug. “Hon I am sorry. I did not mean to upset you.”

Talia stood stiffly in his arms. “I want this baby so much,” she cried. “I wouldn't do anything to jeopardise it. Nor would Elle.”

“I know,” Malek said. He closed his eyes, knowing he had really hurt her with that comment. “Sorry.”

Jared pushed his way to the fore. He kissed Talia's head. “Hon, we're both really sorry. We just don't want either of you getting hurt here. How about we let Malek check your data just to be sure and then if it looks fine and passes his stringent assessment, then you do it with our blessing?”

She looked up at him. “Alright.” She slid her arms round him. “I just don't want her to miss out totally here and she doesn't want me to be alone.”

Jared pouted. “Don't we count?”

“You know what I mean.”

“Yes hon we know.” His voice changed as Malek took over. “And if the serum is safe, I will work out the dosage and administer it myself.”

Talia looked at him. “Thank you.”

He smiled and kissed her. “Now dinner.” He watched her pull a face. “We can take it to our quarters and I will go over your data while we eat.”

“That's blackmail.”

“Call it what you will. That is the way it is going to be.”

--- ---

Elise slowly pushed the fruit around her bowl disinterestedly. This would be her last meal so to speak for several months but feeling sick did not encourage one to want to eat. She raised her eyes and looked at Malek.

He sat there eating steadily whilst reading her notes and making notes of his own. He glanced up at her. “Eat or I shall feed you,” he told her. “Only this time you would not enjoy it.”

“Yes Daddy,” she replied stabbing a piece of fruit with the fork and nibbling on it.

He smiled slightly and resumed his reading.

It was over an hour before he finally looked up. He propped his elbows on the table holding the padd between his hands, his thumbs running over the edge of it. “Alright,” he said looking at her. “The results look good and there is nothing there that could possibly harm a developing foetus.”

“But…”

Malek shook his head. “No buts. There is however one condition.” He looked hard at her, his eyes narrowing slightly underlying the seriousness of his tone. “I want your word that if anything goes wrong, if there is anything that compromises the health of you, Talli or the baby you let her know and she tells me. I will not have you taking any risks.”

Elise nodded. “I would not. This is too important to all of us for that.”

Malek smiled. “Good. I will give Talli the first dose in the morning.”

She looked at him. “Mal this is going to be hard on all of us, but more so on her. She will effectively be on her own. Look after her for me.”

“Of course we will. When do you need to go?”

“Tonight,” she whispered. “Once Talli is asleep…” her voice wobbled.

Malek put the padd down and getting up moved round the table to her. “She will be fine as will you.” He kissed her gently and looked at her. “Then there is not much time.” He lifted her into his arms and carried her over to the bed. Laying her down on the covers he kissed her, his hands moving through her hair and over the back of her neck. “I want you to remember this night,” he told her. “I want you to think of it while we are apart, to dream of it until the day comes when we can make love again.”

Her hands slid down his back and up under his tunic as eager to touch him as she was for him to touch her. They slid round to his chest, sliding across it. “Take it off,” she breathed.

Malek did as he was told finding her hands stopping his as soon as they were free. He looked at her curiously.

“Let me.” She sat up and slowly pushed his tunic back from his shoulders, her fingertips caressing his skin as she did so. Her lips followed her fingers, kissing every inch of him.

Malek shivered. “I thought I was making love to you,” he told her.

Elise smiled. “My turn first,” she said. She pushed him down on the bed, her fingers slowly removing the rest of his clothing before she slowly and seductively removed her own. She watched as his eyes darkened with desire and smiled at him. “Love you,” she told him kissing him.

Malek pulled her down onto his hips, his lips slowly moving over her breasts while his finger tips traced circles across her body and down to her hips. He watched as she threw her head backwards and he smiled, flipping her over and driving all thoughts of her leaving from them both. He brought her to the brink and over several times before finally allowing them both to fall.

Elise kissed him with all the passion she could muster, feeling him respond to her in kind. She broke the kiss and ran a hand down his cheek. “I love you,” she whispered then she relaxed into sleep, nestled firmly in Malek's arms. ~And I love you~ she whispered to her host as she let herself slip into dormancy.

Malek took a deep breath. “Goodbye my love,” he said feeling the slight change and knowing it would be months before he had Elise within his arms again.

--- ---

The following morning he got up and followed Talia to the bathroom. He held her as she threw up and then held her while she cried as she realised Elise was gone. It would take a day or two for the serum to work and allow communication between host and symbiote. Until then Talia would be alone. Once she had calmed down Malek gently carried her back to the bed and gave her the first shot. Then he persuaded her to eat something.

He watched while she nibbled at the food and then suggested that she spend the day in her office.

She nodded slowly. She and Elise had been putting the paperwork off for weeks as they hated doing it. This would give her the chance to do it while resting and avoiding people until she got used to her new situation.

--- ---

For the next four months Malek watched Talia change before his eyes. He noticed how easily she managed to hide it from everyone. Keeping the secret between the four of them was easy as she did not show as early as some women did. He lay with her at night, his hand on her stomach, in awe of the fact there was a new life growing within her. After that last time with Elise, he and Jared had refused to make love to her, afraid they would damage the baby and because Elise was not there to share it. Talia had soon put them right on both scores and their lovemaking had been as passionate as it ever was.

Gradually though the changes in her figure started to become obvious and he knew it wouldn't be long before someone noticed and said something. As she was now almost twenty-six weeks he had to make the most difficult choice of his life.

~What's bugging you?~ Jared asked one morning as Malek made yet another unnecessary mistake in a report. ~You've been busy thinking in your part of our mind for days now and I wanna know what you're planning. It's a fair bet it will include me somehow.~

Malek sighed . ~We just need to make a few decisions.~

~Such as?~

Malek paused. ~Are you hungry? I'm hungry. Let's go find something to eat.~

Jared dropped it, knowing that until Malek was ready to talk, there would be no sense out of him at all. ~Okay… but just fruit. It's too early for dinner.~

Malek pushed his meal from one side of the plate to the other.

Jared took over their body and stabbed the fruit eating slowly. ~Well?~

~We will have to send her away~ he said quietly. ~For her safety more than anything. Hers and the baby's.~

Jared stopped shocked, that having been the last thing he was expecting. ~What?~

Malek sighed. ~We have to send her to another planet, perhaps Earth although they will look there for her.~

~Who? What are you talking about? Why does she have to go anywhere? Look I missed out on all this last time round. I want to be there for them every step of the way Mal… I thought you did too.~

~I do… but we have to be practical here. You and I join her a week or two before she is due. We just can not risk her or the baby.~

Jared shook his head. ~I don't understand why do you want to send her away? She's without Elle as it is… without us she will be completely alone. What if the baby is early?~

~What do you not understand Jared? The council could have her and the child killed. Not to mention us for that matter. And that is just one thing of the nicer things they could do. We are breaking the law doing this.~

~Look I know the laws are there, but surely the council wouldn't resort to such upholding something as outdated and archaic as this? It's a baby for Egeria's sake Mal… Our baby. Not a threat or something that will destroy us.~

~A child with the potential for Harsesis. Now Elise and I both took steps to ensure he is not but they will take no chances.~

Jared swallowed hard. ~I don't believe you. That's poppycock.~

~Poppy what?~ Malek asked.

~Poppycock…Rubbish, twaddle, rot, tosh, claptrap~ Jared explained. He put the fork down and cleared his plate away. Then he headed to his office and started digging out the council papers and documents pertaining to the archaic and little used laws to see if there really was justification for what Malek was saying. He was so engrossed in reading that he didn't hear the knock or someone coming in.

Jacob stood there for a moment longer then cleared his throat loudly.

Jared looked up. “Oh hi, didn't hear you come in.” He covered the file with his hands. “What can I do for you?”

“It can wait. You look busy.”

“Just researching some old documents,” Jared replied.

Jacob cast an eye over the one on the top of the pile. It related to the laws on Harsesis children and how they should be handled. “Is there a problem the council need know about?” he asked nodding at the file.

“No,” Jared said. “Just doing some background reading.” His tone gave away more than he wanted without the need to say anything.

Jacob pulled up a chair and sat, leaning over the desk. “Jared level with me. Do you have a reason for reading this? Is Talia pregnant?”

Jared looked up and nodded slightly, pushing his hands through his hair. “Help me go through this lot… I have to try to find something, anything to… What have I done? I should have stopped her, nipped the idea in the bud…”

Jacob looked at him. “It takes two… unless you forced her.”

Jared's eyes narrowed. “No way.”

Jacob took a deep breath. “Forgive the personal question, but doesn't she normally prevent this from happening?”

Jared nodded. “As does Malek. Just like Selmak does for you, but this…This was a joint decision by the four of us. Talia wanted a baby and so did I and now… now she's pregnant and Mal wants to send her away so the council don't kill her and us and I need a way out of this.”

“How far gone is she?”

Jared looked down at the file. “26 weeks, but her people carry to term in 34 weeks,” he said. “We can't hide it any longer.”

“How's she doing?”

“Pretty sick at the start, she's okay now though.” He looked up. “But the problem is…”

Jacob looked at him. “From what I know, it's the mother who has the most control over the Harsesis issue. If Elise has let the pregnancy run this far then…”

Malek came fore and looked at him. “Elise is dormant. She has been for the past 20 weeks. Talia is pretending to be her as and when needed.” He paused. “Jacob they both wanted this so much, I am afraid she would keep the child regardless. If her timing was off, if both hosts were not fore at the time then…”

Jacob looked at him. “Why didn't you come to me sooner?”

Malek sighed. “It is not that we do not trust you, but with Selmak on the council…”

Jacob looked at him. “Selmak happens to think that law is outdated,” he said. “And I happen to agree with her. What are you going to do?”

Malek shrugged. “I have to send her away… perhaps an assignment on Earth or maybe she and I go on a mission. Get reported missing. Come back in six months with the child and some story of its parents being killed and us being left to bring it up.”

Jacob nodded. “Whatever happens you have my support and Selmak's. Maybe the two of us can find a way for you.”

“Thank you my friend that means a lot.” He took a deep breath. “So what can I do for you?”

--- ---

An hour later Jacob went in search of Talia. He stood in the doorway of her office watching her move, looking at her figure and seeing the bulge of the growing child beneath her uniform. He moved over to her. “Hey…”

Talia smiled at him. “Hello… not injured again?” she asked in Elise's voice.

Jacob laughed. “Not this time. How are you?”

“Fine thank you. What can I do for you?”

Jacob looked at her. “You know both Jared and Malek asked me the same question just now.”

“Jared did?” Talia asked, knowing Jared hardly ever came fore when Malek was working. “Is he okay?”

“He's very concerned about you.” Jacob looked at her pointedly. “I know about the baby… he told me.”

Talia sighed and looked down. “Oh… then you know the trouble we are in.” She used her own voice and moved her hand over her stomach. “I can not hide it much longer.”

Jacob shook his head. “No, even an untrained eye could see it now and I know what I am looking for. Do you realise what you are doing? It's not just your life you are playing with here.”

She swallowed. “I know… that is why…” She looked at him. “I am going to request a mission. One that will take me away for several months.”

“Are you sure?”

Talia nodded. “I don't want to leave him, either of them, but I know what the laws say and although Elise and I are prepared to take the risk, we will not risk Mal or Jarrie.” She paused. “Elise took every precaution but the child can't be tested until after it is born and the council will not let it go that far.”

Jacob looked at her. “Then you both disappear. Both go on a mission and come back with the child you adopted after its parents were killed.”

She looked at him. “Would that work?”

“Malek seems to think so. And it may just keep the three of you alive.”

“I'm not so sure. I don't wish to be alone when the time comes but if he knows where I am then it still places him in danger.”

“You won't be alone if Malek goes with you. This mission would require you both, you go missing…”

Talia laughed harshly. “And come back in a year with a baby?”

“Maybe not a year. Six months or so. Long enough to get your story straight.” Jacob smiled at her. “It will work out you'll see.”

She nodded slowly and sighed. "But with us both disappearing so suddenly, Delek especially will get suspicious.”

“Then that is his problem. Leave Delek to me.”

--- ---

A week later everything was set. Malek were due to depart on an urgent mission that required his diplomacy and scientific skills and necessitated him taking Elise for her skills as a healer. The story was that a planet Jacob had visited was being ravaged by a plague. The Tok'ra had a natural immunity to it but the population were dying in droves. In return for part of the corn harvest, Jacob had offered assistance in finding a cure for the plague. The plan was for Malek to work on the cure while Elise healed those she could and cared for the rest.

The council meeting had been long and heated with Delek and Per'sus arguing for more healers to go with them. Selmak put her foot down, saying the two of them were more than capable of doing it alone and that Malek had been stuck behind a desk for far too long and it would do him good to get back out in the field.

Delek finally dropped it and Per'sus agreed that subject to satisfactory medical reports they could both go.

When Talia heard that her heart fell. “It's over,” she whispered. “They'll find out and all this will be for nothing.”

Jared put a hand on her arm. “They just want to make sure we are in no danger of catching this plague hon that's all.”

“This non existent plague,” she told him. Then she turned sideways on. “And what will the medical report make of this?”

“That you need to diet,” Jared said teasingly. He pulled her into a hug. “Talli that baby you have there is a miracle. You need to protect it.” He looked at her. “Selmak will make sure everything is fine. She promised us that.”

--- ---

Garshaw looked at the medical reports. “Who did them?” she asked, seeing Selmak's signature on them.

Malek looked at her. “Aryan from one of the other bases did them,” he said.

“Hmmm,” she said. “Why does Elise's scan not mention her condition?”

Malek felt his heart miss a beat. “What condition?” he asked. He felt rather than saw two guards fall in close behind him.

Garshaw looked at him, Per'sus and Delek entering the room behind him. “You know very well what condition your mate is in Malek. Did you think you could hide it from us?”

~They know~ Jared whispered. ~Egeria preserve us… they know… Mal what do we do?~

Malek took a deep breath. ~Calm down, maybe not.~ “Hide what?”

Per'sus swung him round to face him. “Your mate is with child Malek!” he roared. “You know that is forbidden! Or did she deceive you as well?”

Jared's cry echoed the one pouring through Malek.

Malek looked at him and then at the smug look on Delek's face. “How did you find out?” he managed.

Delek shook his head. “That does not matter,” he said. “You broke the law Malek. You and Elise.”

Per'sus looked at Malek. “As of now you have been removed from your position of Base Commander. You will be placed under arrest and taken to a holding cell until the full council can be convened for your hearing.”

Malek's face fell and he pulled away as the guards grabbed hold of him. “You can not do this!” he said.

Per'sus just looked at him. “I can and I have. Delek is to assume command of the base here.” He nodded to the guards who dragged Malek towards the doorway.

He shook them hard trying to free himself. “Let me at least take myself there,” he said. “Or do I not even deserve that last shred of dignity.”

Delek looked at him. “You do not,” he said. He followed them down the tunnels, still slightly in awe of the fact this was now his base. He did not know how the council found out. It was not he who had told them but he felt it his duty to find out who had. After all if someone would betray Malek then they would not think twice about betraying him. He watched as the guards threw Malek into the cell and activated the force field.

Malek hit the floor hard but scrambled up and looked at him. “You can not do this…”

“You should have thought of that,” Delek told him. “This is not a game.”

“We know that!” Malek snapped. “But this…”

Delek just looked at him. “You broke the law and now you must pay.”

Malek looked at him. “Have you never wanted anything so badly you would do anything to get it? Watched your mate suffer day in and day out because there was something she needed to feel complete? To have her apologise for failing you, for not being who she should be?”

Delek looked at him. “As base commander it is up to you to adhere to the rules. Not yield to temptation and give in. As your mate it was up to you to stop her. However she is as guilty as you are.”

Malek looked at him. “What?”

“It is the female's symbiote who has the ultimate responsibility to make it impossible to conceive. The council have issued orders for her arrest too.”

--- ---

Talia finished the last of the packing and sat on the bed wondering where Malek was. He should have been here a while ago and she wondered if something had gone wrong. She looked up as the curtain was pulled aside. “At last, I was starting to worry…” she broke off realising it wasn't Malek, but rather Aldwin. “Where is Malek?” she asked assuming Elise's voice.

Aldwin's eyes were drawn to her stomach. “Garshaw wishes to see you,” he said. “Now.”

Talia nodded and got to her feet. She brushed off the way he was looking at her and made her way through the tunnels to Malek's office. She figured he was there too and this was just a formal goodbye before they left. She glanced at the desk as she went in, the smile on her face fading as she realised who was sat behind the desk. “Where is Malek?” she asked.

Per'sus and Garshaw stood behind Delek who looked remarkably at home in Malek's chair. “Malek has been relieved of duty,” Per'sus said. “Delek is now commander of this base.”

Talia stood there. “Where is Malek?” she asked again.

“Malek is in a holding cell on charges of treason and breaking one of our most sacred laws,” Per'sus told her.

“What?” she said in disbelief. “Treason? What did he do?”

Garshaw nodded to the guards to fall in behind her, blocking her exit. Then she looked at the woman in front of her sternly. “You know our laws,” she told her. “You stand accused of breaking them.”

Talia looked at her, trembling slightly. “What have I done?” she asked.

Per'sus moved over to her and ripped open her tunic, exposing her tight beige undershirt. He pointed to her swollen stomach. “That is what you have done.” He glared at her. “You disgust me.”

Talia took a deep breath trying to calm down. “It is a baby,” she said. “Not a crime.”

“It is against the law!” Per'sus yelled.

“The law states no Harsesis may be conceived. This child is not Harsesis.”

Per'sus narrowed his eyes. "Between two Tok'ra there can be no other kind of child!”

Talia looked at him. “The child I carry is human, the product of our hosts.”

“WHAT?” he exclaimed. “That can not be proved.”

"There are tests that can be done, we both know that. The child within me is human. You may test it yourself once he is born.”

Per'sus shook his head. “The child can not be allowed to be born. The pregnancy is to be terminated immediately.”

Talia looked at him. “You can not do that…”

He looked at her. “It is not up for debate. The pregnancy is to be terminated. We will then decide how best to punish both you and Malek. And your hosts.” Then he turned to the guards. “Take her away.”

Talia trembled within now. ~What have I done… Elise I'm sorry, I'm so sorry…~

~I do not blame you~ Elise whispered. ~We all wanted this. Not just you and Jared.~

The guards moved over to Talia and grabbed hold of her.

Talia struggled. “Wait. What if I am right and the child is not Harsesis. What then? You would kill an innocent child? Test it first.”

He looked at her. "And if it is Harsesis? Would you let us kill the child then?"

She took a deep breath. “It is a child… not a threat or a virus waiting to wipe you out!”

Per'sus glared at her, noting that she evaded answering his question. “That child will contain all the knowledge of both you and Malek. We can not afford to take the chance it will fall into enemy hands. The laws must be upheld. Take her away.”

The guards dragged her out of the room.

Talia fought as they pulled her away. “You can not do this…” she said. Her cries echoed through the tunnels. “You are hurting me…”

“You will be silent!” the guard told her. “Or we will make you be silent!” His grip tightened on her arm and he was pleased to see the woman do as she was told.

They reached the holding cells and threw her into the empty one. Talia landed hard and lay on the floor as the force field activated. Then she pulled herself up and hunched in the corner as far back as she could. The same words echoed through her mind. The pregnancy is to be terminated… terminated… terminated… terminated… terminated…

--- ---

Malek sat on the bed in his cell. He leaned on the pillow which he clutched between his knees and his chest, his mind whirling. ~Who betrayed us? Someone must have found out and gone to the council but who?~

Jared shrugged. ~I don't know. Mal what have I done… I talked you into this.~

~Elle and I were just as involved in this as you and Talli alright? The four of us made the decision to have a child.~

~No… This is my fault… I'm sorry Mal…~

Malek listened as the guards dragged someone in. He'd heard the force field activate on the cell next to his. He pushed himself up after the guards left, hearing sobbing come from the next cell. “Talia?” he called.

Talia looked up. “Malek?”

Malek sighed in relief. “Yes hon. Are you alright?”

“Just scared…”

“Did they hurt you?”

“No… did they hurt you?”

Malek shook his head. “No. They made Delek commander in my place, said they are going to convene a full council and want to try me there.” He paused. “What about you?”

Talia sobbed. “They are going to take the baby…”

Shock resonated through Malek and Jared. “What?”

Talia pushed her head back into the wall. “The pregnancy is to be terminated,” she whispered. “They are going to kill our son.” Her tears fell thick and fast.

Malek found his own eyes glistening. “Hon…” he managed, longing to take her into his arms and comfort her.

“They say the risk is too great to wait for the tests to be done after he is born.” She ran her hand over her stomach. “They are afraid I will not allow them to test him. Why? It is not right… He has done nothing to deserve death.”

Malek leaned against the wall. “No, he has not. He will pay for our crime.”

“We did nothing wrong,” she sobbed. “Wanting a child is not wrong… how can an act of love be wrong? How can conceiving a child be a crime?”

“Because they're cowards!” Jared spat derisively. “Narrow minded cowards… Talli I am sorry… we should have left before now, gone when it was first suggested. Not waited like we did.”

Talia put her other hand on the crystal wall imagining she was touching him through it, knowing he was leaning just the other side. “Would it have made any difference?” she asked closing her eyes as exhaustion flooded her.

“I don't know,” Jared whispered. “I love you.”

“Love you,” she whispered.

Jared leaned against the wall listening to her sobs growing fainter until they finally faded into silence. “You okay?” he asked. There was no answer. “Talli… Are you alright? Talli answer me! Talli!!!”

~Maybe she is sleeping~ Malek said.

~Maybe.~

~And so should you… tomorrow will be a long day and we need to be ready to face whatever it brings .~

Jared lay down falling into an uneasy sleep.

--- ---

The full council was in session. Delek had chosen to sit opposite Jacob purely so he could watch Jacob's facial expressions as the charges against Malek and Elise were read out and the floor opened for debate.

Jacob sat in shock. ~Treason? They have got to be kidding?~ he said.

~It does not sound like it~ Selmak said.

Per'sus looked round the table. “Whatever the results of the test, the child can not be allowed to live.”

Jacob slammed his hand down on the table, unable to keep silent any longer. “You have got to be kidding!”

Per'sus looked at him. “The law is the law,”

“The law makes no provision for normal children born to a host,” Jacob scowled.

“Because it is not possible!” Per'sus argued.

Jacob shook his head. “How do you know? Perhaps they are right and it is possible for two Tok'ra to have a normal child. But then maybe it is possible and the laws are outdated and we need to define new ones.”

“The law is the law,” Per'sus said. “Changes take time and this is not the time to be debating that.”

Garshaw spoke up. “I do not condone what they did but Jacob has a point. A Harsesis child should not be allowed to live, but we do not have the right kill a human child.”

Per'sus frowned. “It sets too dangerous a precedent. How do we know others will be as careful? And what if the baby falls into enemy hands? The risks are too great.”

“The risks we take on simple missions every day are great,” Jacob argued. “Any one of us could fall into enemy hands, be forced to tell what we know. A child could not. You are talking about murdering the child for no reason”

Per'sus rolled his eyes. “This child will have ALL the knowledge of its parents. Malek is a base commander. He knows more than most do. Do you really want to take the chance of this baby being taken as a host by a Goa'uld?”

Jacob looked at him. “And the same could be said of us. If one of us were to become host to a Goa'uld, he would have all the memories we retain.”

Per'sus glared at him. “My decision is final. The pregnancy is to be terminated as soon as possible.”

Delek looked up. “What do we do with Malek and Elise?” he asked.

Per'sus looked at him. “They will stand trial for what they did,” he said bluntly. “However the law does state that the child and both its parents are put to death. Their guilt is evident for all to see.”

Jacob stood up. “I must protest!” he said angrily. “There has got to be another way to deal with this.”

Garshaw looked at him. “Sit down Jacob.”

Selmak came fore and glared at her. “We do not wish to sit down!” she said. “You are talking about murdering four sentient beings here purely for doing what most normal adults do. Five if you include the child. There is nothing wrong with having children. Jacob has two. If it were not for one of his children I would not be here now.”

Delek looked at her. “That is not the issue,” he told her. “Although you know my feelings on that one, the problem at hand is Malek and Elise. Where as I agree we need to make an example of them, killing them does seem extreme.”

“So kill the hosts,” another council member said. “After all, it was the desire of the host to have a child in the first place that put them in this position. Kill the hosts, place Malek and Elise in new hosts and station each on the opposite side of the galaxy.”

Selmak swore violently in Goa'uld. “What is wrong with you?” she yelled. “Those feelings are perfectly normal.”

“They broke the law and must be punished.”

“Executing any of them is not the way to do it!” Selmak insisted. “Nor is splitting them up.”

Per'sus looked at her and his eyes narrowed. “We need to make an example of them. Perhaps… perhaps we ensure neither host can think about replacing the child with another. Sterilise them both.”

Jacob took control in shock. "Children are not some commodity to be replaced at a whim. And you can't just take away something like that from the hosts without their permission either."

Delek looked over at him. “And if it is that or kill them?” he asked. "We can not risk…"

"I heard you!" Jacob snapped. "I can't and won't be a party to an infant's murder or the mutilation of its parents.” He looked at Per'sus. “And neither will Selmak! She and I are one on this decision!”

Per'sus nodded. “Then you may abstain from the vote. You are dismissed.” He turned to the other council members. “I move that Malek be confirmed in removal from his position as base commander, both Jared and Talia be sterilized and the child aborted.”

Jacob looked at him. He sat down, refusing to leave the room. He watched in horror as the council voted unanimously to carry the motion. Unanimous that is apart from him. He voted against.

Per'sus looked at Jacob long and hard and then nodded. “The motion is carried by a majority of 12 votes to 1. The sentence is to be carried out after their trial tomorrow.”

The council members stood up and one by one left the chamber until Jacob was sat there alone. Delek paused in the doorway. “Jacob…” he began.

“Shut up Delek,” Jacob said. “It doesn't take a genius to work out who told the council.”

Delek moved back across the room. “Actually I am not responsible,” he said. “The first I knew of this was when Per'sus arrived and told me he was making me base commander in Malek's place.”

Jacob looked at him. “Then who did?”

“I do not know but I intend to find out.”

“Why?”

“Because if someone would betray as good a leader as Malek, there is every likelihood they would also betray me.”

--- ---

Twenty hours later the council reconvened. Jacob sat there quietly. He had come to offer what support he could to his friends. He did not agree with what the council were doing and was determined to point that out again and as many times as it took. Once everyone was in their seats, Per'sus looked up. “Bring the prisoners.”

The guards nodded and headed down to the cells.

Malek lay on the bed, gazing up at the tunnel roof. He had not managed to get a response from Talia at all that day. He knew she was awake as he had heard her moving around earlier. Both he and Jared had called to her but got no answer. Neither of them had been given food or water since they had been confined.

Talia sat hunched over in the corner. She had heard them call her name but this was her fault. She had caused his downfall and she did not know how to respond to them now. Her hand absently stroked her stomach, the baby kicking against her touch.

The force field dropped and three guards came in. They did not speak, just moved over to her and pulled her roughly to her feet and forced her hands behind her back.

Talia cried out and pulled away, putting her hands up to defend herself. “What are you doing? Where are you taking me?”

Malek was on his feet in an instant. “Talia!” He could hear scuffling and her cries. “Talia! Leave her alone!”

The force field to his cell dropped and three guards came in. They moved fast, before he had chance to bolt past them and grabbed him. Malek struggled. “No… Talia!”

Talia cried out as the two guards grabbed hold of her again and pushed her into the wall, turning her round. Her arms were twisted behind her back and her wrists bound. Then they poked a zat into her side. “Move! The council wants you.”

Malek broke free and made a run for the cell door. “Talli!” He made a couple of feet before one of the guards kicked out, pulling his legs from under him. Malek fell face down landing hard. Before he could get up he felt a foot on his back and his hands were pulled behind him and tied tightly. “Talli!” he yelled again. He was pulled roughly to his feet and a zat placed at his throat.

“The council wants you.”

Malek let them take him through the tunnels. He spoke quietly to Jared, feeling his fear. ~It will be alright.~

~It's not alright… you know it's not! Mal I haven't been this scared since…~

~I know~ Malek said. ~I am also frightened.~

~These are your people and they are going to kill us… for Egeria's sake put up a fight…~

Malek nodded. ~I will… I intend to offer my life for Elle and Talia.~

Jared nodded. ~ Our lives Mal… both of us for both of them.~

~The council may not listen…~

~But it's worth a try~ Jared finished.

Talia let the guards pull her, afraid that if she fought they would shoot her and injure the baby. That was all that mattered now. She was not important, only the tiny life she carried within her was. They reached the council chamber and she was forced into the centre of the room. She noticed how the conversation fell silent as she came in and how everyone looked at her.

Per'sus looked at her for an instant and then over at the door as Malek was dragged in.

Malek stumbled as the guards let go of him, catching himself before he fell. He stood next to Talia, looking at her, trying to ascertain if she was unhurt. “Are you alright? Did they hurt you?” he asked.

“I am fine,” she whispered. “You?” She broke off in a cry of pain as the guard hit her with his zat across her back sending her to her knees.

Malek reacted fast shoulder barging the guard away from her. “Leave her alone!” he said angrily.

Immediately four zats were armed and pointing at him. “Back away Malek!” came the order from the table.

Malek swung round and looked at Per'sus. “You expect me to stand here while they hit her?” he asked.

“I expect you to stand still and silent!” Per'sus said sharply. He looked at the guards. “Get her up.”

Talia was pulled forcefully to her feet. She stood there, pain in her eyes but determined not to show it any other way. She didn't resist as the guards undid her tunic pulling it back to reveal her stomach clad in the undershirt again. She tuned out the murmurs from the council and looked at Malek for a moment then looked away.

Per'sus looked at her. “The evidence of your guilt is plain for all to see,” he said. “When is the child due?”

Talia refused to answer.

Per'sus repeated the question. There was still no answer. He nodded to the guard who put his zat against Malek's throat. “You will answer the question,” he told her. “Or Malek will be shot.”

Talia looked at him. “You are no better than those we fight against,” she told him using Elise's voice. She looked at Malek and then back at Per'sus having no idea if she was convincing him she was Elise or not. “Our child is due in eight weeks.”

Per'sus inclined his head slightly. Then he looked at Malek. “And the child is yours?”

Malek nodded. “Yes,” he said. “The child is mine.”

“You are both aware of the law and the requirements. The law states that any Harsesis child must be put to death along with its parents.”

Talia paled slightly and took a slight step closer to Malek. She moved her bound arms trying to reach for him.

Per'sus watched them. “We discussed this at length yesterday. Several possibilities were mentioned. Killing you and your hosts seemed to be excessive despite what the law said. The other option is executing just the hosts and forbidding the two of you to have any further contact with each other.”

Jared shuddered. ~I'm sorry…it's been fun… just don't blame yourself…~

Malek looked at Per'sus. “You can not do that…”

Per'sus cut him off. “You forget yourself and your place. It was the will of the hosts that got you into this position. You should have been more strong willed, taken control of the situation and prevented this from happening.” He looked at Talia. “Most of the blame for this falls on you. Any future host you may have is to be male.”

Talia swallowed hard and nodded. She heard the whispered ~No~ from within and hugged Elise hard.

Per'sus nodded and then looked at them. “Is there anything you wish to say before sentence is passed?”

Malek nodded. “I do.” He paused. “We offer our lives in exchange for those of Elise, Talia and the baby.”

Talia looked at him. “Malek no…”

Malek looked at her and then turned back to Per'sus. “We take full responsibility for this. The law would not have been broken had we not agreed to her request.”

“ Her request?” one of the other councillors said sharply. “It was not your idea? Or that of your host?”

Malek looked at him. “My host had often wished for children yes but had never voiced it other than to me.”

The gaze of the councillors fell on Talia. “Your host wanted the child?”

Talia nodded, saying exactly what Elise told her to say. “Malek agreed purely because we begged him to. If anyone should take full responsibility it is me. I deliberately made conception possible. I offer our lives in exchange for theirs.”

Per'sus smirked slightly. “As I knew you would. And you can stop the pretence now Talia. Elise is dormant; otherwise your child would not have survived this long! We will add deception to the charges you face.” He looked at the other councillors cutting Talia off before she could say anything in reply. “Does anyone have anything to add?” He watched them all shake their heads until he reached Jacob who nodded slightly. “Jacob?”

Jacob stood up. Selmak was going ballistic inside him, fuelling his rage at how his friends were being treated. “You disgust me, all of you,” he said angrily looking round the council. “You sit here, going through the motions when every single one of you voted yesterday on how to handle this.”

“What?” Malek gasped.

Jacob looked at him. “They didn't tell you that? This is just so it looks like they are giving you a chance to defend yourselves, but the truth is they only care about the damn laws.” He paused and turned back to Per'sus. “You want to know what the real joke is?”

“This is not a joke!” Per'sus told him harshly.

Jacob thumped his hand down hard on the table. “It Damn well is. Who founded the Tok'ra movement?” He paused, waiting for someone to tell him.

“Egeria,” Delek told him when it was apparent everyone else thought it was a stupid or rhetorical question.

“Exactly. Egeria. On Earth, according to our mythology do you know what Egeria was the goddess of?” He paused again, so furious he could hardly get the words out. “CHILDBIRTH AND PREGNANT WOMEN!!!!” he yelled. “And here you are Egeria's offspring, about to kill an unborn child and its mother!”

Silence fell across the room. “She would turn in her grave if she could see you now!” he roared. “Malek would tell you that. He met her. He was with her when she died. This is not what the Tok'ra movement is about! How can you stand there and act like the ones we are fighting?”

Per'sus stood up. “That is enough!” he said sharply. “The vote has been taken and your words are meaningless.” He looked at Malek and Talia. “The four of you have both been found guilty of treason and breaking the laws of the Tok'ra. You will be taken from here back to the place of confinement. The pregnancy is to be terminated and your hosts rendered incapable of having more children. You will live with that knowledge for the rest of your lives, knowing it is your fault.”

Talia looked at him. “It's not their fault,” she cried. “It's mine… Please, don't punish Jared or Malek or Elise for this. I kept on and on at them for a baby… they did it for me. Elise took every precaution, the child is not Harsesis.”

Per'sus looked at her, unable to keep the disgust from his voice. “You will be silent. They will be punished and you can bear sole responsibility for it and for the death of the child.”

Talia paled. “You can't… please…” She tried to pull free as the guards took hold of her. “No… not my baby…”

“Take her away,” Per'sus ordered. “They are waiting for her.”

Malek moved suddenly, pushing one of the guards out of the way. “No!” he shouted.

Jacob launched himself over the table planning on intervening somehow.

Malek managed to shoulder barge the other guard away from Talia and stood in front of her. “You will not touch her,” he told them. “You go through me!”

Per'sus just nodded. “As you wish.”

Zat fire shot across the room at point blank range sending Malek writhing to the floor, crying out in pain.

Jacob had almost reached Talia when he felt the tip of a zat digging into his neck. “You do not want to do that,” Per'sus told him. He looked at the guards. “Take her away and put him back in the cell.” He kept the zat on Jacob until both Malek and Talia had been taken from the room. “You are walking a thin line here Jacob,” he hissed. “Take care you do not step off it.”

--- ---

Talia was taken back to her cell. The guard sat on the bed, watching her. She was shaking with fear. She could not remember ever being this scared before. The fact she was responsible for getting the others hurt was enough. She would face what was coming to her as best she could but they were going to hurt Jared and Malek and kill her baby. Tears slowly slid down her face. She heard groans from the next cell and knew Malek was awake.

The force field dropped and Aryan came in with three vials in his hand. He didn't speak to her. “We should begin. Remove her tunic.”

The guard obliged by pulling her tunic down so it rested over her bound hands.

Talia shivered, the thin sleeveless undershirt offering no protection from the chill air. “What are you doing?” she asked, looking at the vials. “What are they?”

Aryan held them up to the light. “This one will ensure you remain conscious for the entire procedure,” he said, his voice carrying clearly into Malek's cell. “There is enough here to bring Elise in a semi dormant state for 24 hours. She will be awake but unable to communicate with you, aid you in anyway or take control.” He looked at the others. “And the rest will terminate the pregnancy.”

Talia shook her head. “No… please you can't…” She jumped off the bed desperate to get away. She didn't know what that stuff was gonna do when it mixed with what she had been taking.

The guard just caught hold of her and pulled her back down.

“I would rather not have to restrain you,” Aryan told her. “It would be easier if you just accepted it.”

Malek sat up wishing he could go to her, hold her and be there for her through this. “Talli,” he called. “Talli we love you… try not to fight them hon, you will only get hurt if you do.”

Talia took a deep breath, her lip trembling and her eyes filling with tears. “I'm scared… so scared.”

“I know… We are right here,” he told her, Jared coming through on his voice. “We are right here. We love you so much.”

Talia let out a strangled sob. “And we love you.” Her voice ended in cry of pain as Aryan plunged the first needle deep into her neck and into Elise. There was a scream in her head and then nothing. “Elise!” she cried. “Where are you? Don't leave me… I can't do this on my own.”

Malek rushed the force field, crying out in pain as it tossed him to the floor. “Talli!” he shouted. He glared at the guards. “Let me be with her!” he yelled. “It is not fair she be alone.”

A tall figure stood in front of him. “She is reaping what was sown,” Per'sus told him. Then he moved in front of the other cell. “End it!”

Talia fought against the guard holding her, trying to move away. “Noooooo!” she screamed. Her eye was caught by the blue liquid in the vial and the way it sparkled in the light. The needle glinted as Aryan moved and angled it against her skin.

Malek slammed his fists against the wall, hearing Jared scream in his head. A high pitched scream filled the air, echoing down the tunnels, changing into heart rending sobs. He threw himself hard against the wall, sliding down it, tears falling down his face. He whispered her name over and over.

Per'sus stood in front of his cell. “It is done,” he said.

Malek looked at him. “I will never forgive you for this,” he told him.

Per'sus just raised an eyebrow. “Your host's punishment will be carried out in the morning,” he told him. “You will be pushed back as Elise was. Sentient but unable to assist in any way.” He turned and left.

Malek got to his feet. “Can I at least hold her?” he called. There was no answer. He moved to the front of the cell. “Talli!” he called.

Talia sat curled up where they had left her. They had undone her wrists at last and she clenched her arms tightly round her. “Mal…”

“Talli… what did they do? Are you alright?”

“It hurts… They did something… gave me something…” She broke off curling up as pain surged through her. She cried out involuntarily.

Malek glared at the guards. “Will you let me in there!” he demanded. “She should not be alone, she is hurting.”

The guards turned away.

“Dammit!” Malek shouted. He slammed his fists into the wall then took a deep breath. “Hon… talk to me… We are right here and we love you.”

--- ---

Selmak stormed into Delek's office where he and Per'sus were talking and leaned across the desk, resting both hands on it. She shoved her face into Delek's. “Now you listen to me and you listen good!” she hissed. “You remember my host Tayba?”

Delek nodded. He had no idea how this was related to what was currently going on but he had learnt not to argue with Selmak when she was in a snit; and this way more than a snit. He did not think he had ever seen Selmak this angry about anything before. “Yes… you and Tayba separated rather abruptly.”

Selmak nodded. “Tayba spent 6 months in Apophis court. Serving him and several other people in whatever vile and disgusting way he chose.”

Delek looked at her. “She was fulfilling her mission,” he said, looking over at Per'sus. “She knew the risks.”

Selmak scowled. “She was his handmaiden Delek. She was raped every night for six months, at least once a day, sometimes more. It depended on how many guests Apophis had.” She was pleased to see even Delek blanch at that revelation. “I was dormant the entire time. When I woke it was time for her to come home.”

Per'sus looked at her. “And the point you are trying to make?”

Selmak took a deep breath. “She was pregnant,” she told him. “The child was Apophis daughter.”

Delek looked at her. “The weight gain…”

Selmak nodded. “That is why I needed a new host. Despite who the father was, Tayba wanted the child. I knew what the council would do, exactly what you have done this time. Malek arranged the new host for me… Rynette. I went back to try and find Tayba sometime later but no one knew where she was or what had happened to the child.”

Per'sus pulled himself up to his full height. “So there is another Harsesis out there?!” he yelled.

Selmak glared at him. “Let me finish!” She paused for a moment and then continued. “When Rynette was injured and lay dying a young girl offered to host me. Her mother had been killed in the first wave of the attack. She had no father, no ties, was only too wiling to join our fight. Her name was Saroosh.” She paused. “Her mother was Tayba.”

Per'sus sat down. “Saroosh was Harsesis?” he asked.

Selmak nodded. “Not that she ever let on. I knew and one other but no one else.”

Delek looked at her. “How many of his memories did she contain?” he asked slowly.

“Some,” Selmak said bluntly. “But she had been taught to bury them, not to access them. And those that did surface were nightmares she did not understand. My point is this child that Talia is carrying could be kept safe. He could grow up here in the tunnels. There are more than enough of us to safeguard him.”

Per'sus got to his feet again to protest.

Selmak held up a hand. “Talia has not left the base. No one outside of here knows. Unless whoever told the council also told the Goa'uld that is the way it could stay.” She paused. “Do you not you see that this would provide us with hosts? A source of hosts amongst ourselves that we can care for ourselves. Bring up in our traditions, understanding our values.”

Delek looked at her and at Per'sus. “A sound argument,” he said slowly.

Jacob looked at him. “Until you have had children you don't see their value,” he said slowly. “The Tok'ra are a dying race. This would be one way to safeguard your future.” He paused. “If the right safeguards are in place and tests are done then there will not be a problem. There is an Earth test our doctors can teach you which can test for abnormalities in the DNA before the baby is born. No doubt it could be adapted to check for the Harsesis gene.”

Per'sus nodded. “But not this time. It is too late.”

Jacob looked at him. “It doesn't have to be. Don't take this chance away from them.”

“I will take your idea to the council,” Per'sus said slowly.

Jacob nodded. That was the best he could hope for. He looked at Delek. “Is it alright if I go down and visit them?” he asked. “Take them some water at least.”

Delek nodded. “Of course. Take them fruit as well. They have gone without for too long.”

“Thank you.”

--- ---

Malek stood there for the next hour, listening to Talia's cries of pain get more intense and closer together. He talked to her constantly and for a while got responses then there was nothing.

Talia lay on the floor, the pain now so intense that speech was impossible. She could hear Malek calling her name, both he and Jared had spoken to her, assured her they loved her and were there for her. But it hurt so much. There had been a sudden gush of water some time ago and now she knew she was bleeding. She was terrified and alone. She lay crying in the mess on the floor wishing they had killed her until she did not have the strength to cry.

Malek looked at the guards. “You have to do something!” he yelled. “She is not responding anymore.”

Jacob ran the last few feet down the tunnel hearing Malek shouting. He had a tray with fruit and water in his hands. “Malek what's wrong?” he asked seeing the distress on his face.

Malek looked at Jacob in relief. “Jacob! Thank Egeria you are here. You have to help Talli. They gave her something and she is in such pain and these idiots will not do a thing.”

Jacob nodded. “I will.” He moved to the next cell, the tray falling from his hands. “Get that force field down now!” he yelled. He turned round. “NOW!!” he screamed.

The guards looked at each other and paused.

“Jacob… what is it? Is she alright?” Malek asked desperately.

Jacob didn't answer him. He looked hard at the guards. “Just lower the damn force field. She isn't going anywhere!” As the field dropped Jacob ran through, kneeling in the pool of bloody water by Talia. He rolled her over gently. “Talia…”

She cried out as he moved her. “It hurts…” she whispered.

“I've got you,” Jacob said. He gently stood up and glared at the guards. “I am taking her to the healing chambers. Don't try and stop me.”

“Jacob!” Malek called. He got a fleeting glimpse of the bloodied body in Jacob's arms as Jacob ran past his cell. His eyes widened and he slumped back against the wall, his world crashing down around him.

Jacob ran through the tunnels, the whimpers of pain Talia was making finally fading to nothing as she fell lifeless in his arms. “Don't you die on me,” he told her. He flew the last few feet into the healing chambers. “I need some help here!” he yelled grabbing the scanner and healing device.

Aryan ran over to him. “What is the problem?” he asked.

Jacob rolled his eyes. “Use your eyes!” he snapped. “Whatever you gave her has caused her to haemorrhage.” He frowned over the scan results. “Dammit you need to deliver the baby now or she dies.”

Aryan looked at him. “Deliver the baby how?” he said. “The drugs will make the baby come naturally.”

Jacob looked hard at him. “It was too soon. The baby is stuck, she is bleeding to death. You have to operate or we lose them both.”

Aryan looked blankly at him. “I do not know how to do that,” he said.

~Sel?~

~I do not know Jacob… I have seen one… I do not know enough…~

Jacob activated the healing device and angled it over Talia. “Work with me on this!” he snarled at Aryan. He glanced over at the guard. “Go and get Per'sus and Delek.” He noticed the guard went this time and turned his attention back to Talia.

Five minutes later Delek arrived. “Per'sus has already left to speak to the rest of the council; I have sent word for him to return. What happened?”

Jacob glanced at him. “Talia is dying. Unless we deliver the baby surgically we will lose them both.”

“I see… then do so.”

“Selmak says there are only two people here that can do the necessary surgery. Elise and Talia. But Elise is totally non responsive and Talia can't help.”

Delek closed his eyes. “Oh…” He looked up and over at Aryan. “What did you give her?”

Aryan told him what he had done and Delek swore. “She will die without help?” he asked.

Jacob nodded. “Selmak has seen one but she says that isn't enough to do this.” He paused. “I suggest we contact the SGC and ask for help. Caesarean sections as this is called are fairly routine…”

Delek cut him off. “Not an option, Per'sus has forbidden any contact until the council have debated your proposal.”

Jacob shook his head. “Then get Malek up here now. She is dying, he should be here.”

Delek nodded to the guards and looked at Jacob. “What can I do?”

“Learn how to do a section delivery,” Jacob muttered.

--- ---

Malek stopped pacing as the guard ran into the cell block. “What is going on? Is Talia alright?” he asked. He watched as the guard dropped the force field. “What is going on?” he asked again.

“They need you in the infirmary,” the guard told him. “Your mate is dying.”

The colour drained from Malek's face and he felt as if he had been thumped in the stomach. He started running towards the healing chambers.

Jared shrieked at him to hurry. Part of him was adamant that Talia was fine, that this was just a way to torment them more. But the image of Jacob carrying her blood drenched body from the room was forefront in their mind. ~I can't lose her~ he repeated over and over and over.

Malek ran as if the hel'gwn of Netu were after him. His stomach churned and his heart felt broken. He flew into the healing chambers. “Talia!” he yelled.

Jacob turned. “Here,” he said.

Malek ran over to them. “They said she was dying…”

Jacob looked at him. “She is,” he said gently. “The drugs they gave her caused a reaction with something she'd taken. She's in labour but unless we deliver the baby now we lose them both. The placenta has broken away and she's bleeding badly.”

“So do it.”

Jacob sighed. “I can't… she needs a caesarean section and she is the only one qualified to do it.”

Malek turned to Delek. “So find someone else who can!” he demanded. “Use that new found power of yours and do something.”

“I would if I could,” Delek said. “But Per'sus has…”

Malek's eyes narrowed. “I do not give a damn about what Per'sus said.” He pushed his way past them and gathered Talia into his arms. “She was taking something so Elise could communicate with her while she was dormant.”

Aryan looked at him. “There is no such drug…” he started.

“Shut up!” Malek yelled. “You have done enough.” He looked at Jacob. “She's been working on it for months. This just happened to be one use for it. The research notes are in her desk. There are the antidote instructions there as well. If we give her that then that combined with the fact she is in labour should mean Elise may be able to speak long enough to help us out.”

Jacob nodded and flew over to the office. He rummaged through the drawer until he found what he was looking for. Then he ran his finger down the page. ~There it is…~ He looked up at the shelves his eye running along the bottles until he found the one he needed. “Got it!” He ran back over to Malek. “Turn her for me. It needs to go directly into the symbiote.”

Malek did so and watched as Jacob drew up the dose and injected it directly into Elise. Then he looked down at the figure in his arms.

There was no reaction for a minute or two then Elise opened her eyes, the drugs forcing her fore. She cried out in pain, her eyes unfocused.

Malek held her tightly. “Elle… Elle I need you to look at me my love.”

Elise struggled to do what he wanted. She could hear him, but did not know where she was; only that something was very wrong. She took a deep breath and looked up. “Mal…”

Malek smiled. “Yes hon… we need your help…”

“The baby… they did something to the baby…” She struggled to sit up, able to control the pain a bit more now.

Malek gently pushed her back down. “You are in labour but it is too early. The stuff they gave Talia has reacted with what you were taking and you are bleeding badly. Jacob says the only option is a caesarean or we are going to lose you and the baby.”

Selmak looked at her. “I have seen one but there is no one but you who know the procedure properly. I would be willing to do it, with Malek assisting, but you will need to help us here.”

Elise nodded. “I can tell you what to do.”

Jared came fore. “Hon…” he whispered.

Elise looked at him. “Jarrie…We love you…”

He kissed her fingers. “We love you too so much.”

“We can not wait… not if you need my help…”

Malek took control again. “We need you to tell us what to do.”

Elise nodded. “I can. I can also control the bleeding and the pain but you need to work fast.” She looked at Malek. “Then I will need to retreat. Talli will be alone again for a while.”

Malek nodded. “I will be here for the both of you.”

Selmak came over having got all that she thought she would need.

Delek put a hand on Aryan's shoulder as the healer tried to leave. “Not so fast. You can assist.” He pushed him back over towards the bed.

Selmak looked at him. “We can manage.”

Delek looked at her. “Then he can watch and learn.”

Selmak nodded. She turned to Malek. “Ready?”

He nodded. “Hon?”

Elise took a deep breath. “Do exactly what I tell you.” Slowly she gave instructions on what to do.

Selmak followed them carefully querying some she didn't fully understand. After a few minutes she lifted the baby and handed him to Malek.

Elise looked at him. “Is he alright? Why is he not crying?”

Malek just looked at her then turned away taking the baby with him.

Selmak looked at her. “Elise, concentrate. Let Malek see to your son. What do I do now?”

“You need to stop the internal bleeding… I can control it but…” She turned her gaze back to Malek as Selmak worked on the bleeding and then on healing her.

Malek and Aryan worked on the baby. He was slowly starting to respond but it was taking a lot longer than Malek liked.

~Don't give up~ Jared told him. ~Please Mal you can't give up on him.~

Selmak finished and looked at Elise. “Sleep now,” she told her. “Let us take care of you for now.”

“The baby…” Elise whispered.

Selmak gave her the sedative. “When you wake,” she said gently.

Jacob took control again and went over to the other men. “How is he?”

Malek looked up. “Alive,” he whispered. “What about Elle?”

Jacob put a hand on his shoulder. “She's sleeping.” He looked at the baby in Malek's arms. “He looks like you.”

Malek's gaze returned to the child in his arms. “I can see Talli in him,” he said slowly, his voice full of emotion.

Jacob smiled. “It's an amazing feeling isn't it,” he said gently.

Malek nodded.

Jared came fore, tears filling his eyes. “My son,” he whispered. “But it's too early…”

Jacob looked at him. “I know…”

Aryan looked at him. “If you'll let me…”

Jared's eyes narrowed. “I think you have done enough!” he spat. “What did you give her? Because whatever it was it nearly killed her and the baby!”

“What the council told me to do,” Aryan began.

Delek looked at Jacob and motioned for him to take the baby. He had no intentions of stopping Jared hitting Aryan if that was what he intended to do.

Jacob nodded. “Jared, let me take the baby. See if we can't do something to help his breathing.”

Jared gently kissed the baby's forehead then handed him to Jacob. “Please… don't let him die Jacob.”

Jacob took him. “Delek give me a hand?” He moved over to the other side of the room, Delek following him.

Aryan stood up, intending to leave.

Jared was on his feet in an instant, swinging out with a fist and hitting Aryan hard. “I was following orders isn't gonna work!” he yelled. He pushed him hard, sending him flying across the room. “There are some orders that you do not follow. Ever.”

Aryan struggled to his feet to find Jared launch himself at him, his fists raining down blow after blow, screaming curses at him.

Delek ignored it for a few moments then nodded to the guards to break them up.

Jared struggled hard as the guards pulled him up and held him tightly.

Aryan got to his feet and avoiding the guards hit Jared hard. “Orders do matter,” he said. “The child can not be allowed to live.”

Jared kicked out at him, his foot catching him hard enough to make him fall backwards. “If either of them dies!” he yelled.

Delek raised his hand. “That's enough!” he said, his voice carrying. He looked at Jared. “If you want to stay here, then you sit by Talia and you stay quiet.”

Jared pulled against the guards. “Let me go!”

Delek looked at him. “Is that understood?”

Jared nodded and shook himself as the guards let go. He glared at Aryan. “You better stay out of my way…” he started.

“Jared! Go sit with Talia!” Delek ordered. “If you can not control your temper then you are back in the holding cell!”

Jared huffed but did as he was told. He slumped in the chair and took Talia's hand. He picked up the scanner with the other and ran it over her. His relief was echoed by Malek's as he saw the readings starting to normalize. He looked over at Jacob. “How's the baby?” he asked.

“Responding,” Jacob replied.

Malek came fore. “That is good.”

Jacob looked at him. “You look exhausted.”

“Neither of us have slept in days.”

“Then sleep now. I'll wake you when she does.”

Malek didn't want to sleep but didn't think he had much choice. ”Thank you.”

--- ---

Eight hours later Talia woke. She opened her eyes slowly wondering where she was. There was something heavy on her legs and she felt strange, empty almost. She ran her tongue over her dry lips and looked round the room. Jacob and Delek were standing to one side talking intently and the heavy something on her legs was the sleeping form of her mate. “Jacob?” she said quietly, not wanting to wake Malek.

Jacob crossed over to her. “Hey… how are you doing?”

“I'm okay… Elise is sleeping, I hope.” She paused. “The baby?” she asked hesitantly, part of her not really wanting to know.

Jacob smiled. “Here,” he said. He turned and took the baby from Delek and handed him to her. “Your son.”

Talia looked at him, her eyes glistening then looked down at the baby. “He's beautiful.” She slowly unwrapped him, counting fingers and toes.

The baby opened his eyes and looked at her.

“Hello,” she whispered, cradling him to her.

Jacob smiled. “We'll leave you three alone for a bit. Shout if you need anything.”

Talia nodded. She stroked the baby's face. “You look like Daddy.”

Malek opened his eyes and looked up, his face lighting up at the sight of his mate and child. “Hon?”

Talia smiled. “Your son needs a name,” she told him.

Malek moved and sat on the bed next to her. He put an arm round her and touched the baby gently. “He looks like you,”

“He has your eyes,” she whispered. “Thank you for my son.”

He hugged her. “Thank you for ours.”

Jacob looked at Delek. “Are you still convinced this is wrong?” he asked.

Delek looked at him. “The council will not be swayed over this. The child has naquadah in his blood.”

“That crossed the placenta I already explained that.”

“They feel the risks are too great. They made their decision and there is nothing we can do about it.”

Jacob sighed heavily. “At least give them a day or two.”

Delek looked at him. “You know I can not do that.”

“Then at least let me delay then until we have run all the tests.”

Delek nodded. “Very well. But you have until tomorrow.”

Jacob nodded. “Thirty-six hours should be plenty of time.”

Talia smiled at Malek as the baby suckled happily at her breast. “He feeds well. Takes after his father.”

“Least he does not eat like his mother,” Malek teased.

She looked at him and nodded slightly.

Jared smiled. “But she is beautiful regardless.” He kissed her. “And I love her very much.” He reached down, stroking the baby's hand, watching the fingers curl round his. “Never thought I'd see this.”

Talia smiled. “You want to hold him? Think he's finished feeding.”

Jared beamed. “Sure.” He took the baby, all fingers and thumbs. “He's light.”

Talia nodded. “Because he's so early.”

Jared smiled and kissed her. “But he's ours and we'll keep him safe no matter what happens.”

“Yeah.” She looked down at the baby in her mates arms and leaned into him, feeling complete at last.

Chapter 2

Ten hours after the baby's birth, Talia lay on her side in the healing chambers, movement having woken her. She and Jared had decided on a name the previous evening before the healers had sedated her when she refused to sleep. They had called him Kain. She heard the baby gurgle then Malek lifting him up and talking to him quietly. She lay still, not wanting to intrude. He wasn't due a feed yet so she didn't need to move. She pulled the covers up higher, shivering. Glancing round the room she saw Malek and Kain. Her eyes closed, sleep overtaking her again, the sedative still in her system. She tossed and turned, dreaming, caught in an all pervading nightmare.

The chill seemed to pervade even the tunnel walls. A faint glistening covered them indicating dampness. These tunnels should be full of people. She stopped, what was that? She turned a corner and found herself in a part of the base she didn't recognise. There was a strong smell of burning. The walls were blackened, the paper peeling off them; water lay on the floor making the acrid smell of the smoke worse. Her footsteps quickened, the sound she had heard getting louder. A voice calling her – “Mam.” She turned another corner; a wooden door blocked her way. It was blackened, the wood twisted and bent in the heat that had surged through it. The voice seemed to be coming from behind it. “Mam!”

Talia pushed at the door and then beat it with both fists. The door gave way and she pushed it open. A figure stood at the far end of the room. Light poured through the window, the smoke twisted and glowed in the light. “The child is mine,” the figure said. Talia tried to make out who the figure was. The voice was distorted and the silhouetted figure impossible to make out. “You broke the law and can not keep him.”

“Who are you?” she asked.

Eyes suddenly glowed in the blackness. “You will do what the council tells you!” the voice commanded. “The child is mine.”

“He's mine… mine and Malek's. You can't take him.”

“He is not safe in your care. You are not fit to raise him…” The figure moved towards her and Talia could just make out a child in the figure's arms.

The child wriggled holding his arms out to her. “Mam!”

“Give me back my child.” Talia held out her arms. “Kain!”

“The child is not yours,” the voice reiterated.

Fire suddenly leapt into the room, flames obscuring her view. She tried to reach Kain but the flames were in the way. She could hear him crying with fright. “Let him go.”

“You broke the law and you must pay the price. The child must die.”

Pain erupted through Talia as the flames engulfed her. She forced herself to move, past the pain, past the flames. She saw the figure struggling with the child. “Maaaaaaammmmmmm!!!!!!!!!”

“Kain!” She threw herself forwards and fell as the floor gave way. “Nnnooooooooooooo!”

She landed with a jolt. No idea where she was. She looked up as a voice said her name. “Talia are you okay?” “Delek? Where's Kain?”

“Who? There is no one on the base with that name.”

“My baby. Where is he? Per'sus has him.” Talia looked past him as movement caught her eye. There was a fleeting glimpse of a figure and a voice calling her. “I have to go.”

Delek caught hold of her arms. “You must return to the healing chambers. They are coming to punish you and Jared for breaking the law.”

Talia struggled desperately trying to get away. “Let me go please.” She managed to get away and gave chase, the figure always eluding her. Her steps slowed, her feet sinking into the floor, which seemed to have turned to mud. Suddenly she caught them up and snatched the child.

“Mam!” Kain turned to look at her, his eyes glowing, laughing manically. “Kneel before your god.”

Talia put him down and backed away. “No. No please no.”

Kain held out his hand, the ribbon device glowed. “Kneel before me Mother.”

“No.” Talia said. The ribbon device fired, pain struck her driving her to her knees. “You are not … my … god,” she gasped.

The pain increased. “Then die………..”

Malek had slept a little but spent most of the night sat watching her sleep, with Kain nestled in his arms. He and Jared were totally enthralled with the tiny life in their hands and the fact that they had created him. Nothing they had ever done compared to the satisfaction and joy this brought them. He'd watched the scans that Jacob had done of Elise and Talia and was relieved that both were doing alright now. It would still be sometime before Elise was fully recovered but there were no ill effects from the drugs the council had forced on her.

Likewise the traumatic delivery was showing no signs of side effects on Talia. Selmak had worked several hours healing the scar tissue and ensuring the haemorrhaging had stopped. Although if the council had their way that was a pointless exercise. At least the baby had survived. Again his traumatic start to life had caused more than a few problems but he seemed to be doing well.

He noticed that Talia had started dreaming and as she started tossing and turning, crying out in her sleep he put the baby in the cot by the bed and tried to wake her. Nothing worked and as she finally woke screaming he gathered her into his arms. “Talli everything is alright, I have you. You are safe now.”

Talia's breathing came hard and fast. “Nightmare.”

Malek held her tightly, running a hand over her back.

“Where's Kain?” she asked.

“Kain is sleeping right here. He is quite alright.” He didn't let go until she started to relax in his arms. “You are safe now,” he told her.

“I need to hold him,” she said looking round for him.

Malek gently placed the baby in her arms. “I took good care of him, he is fine. What upset you so?” he asked putting his arm round her again.

Talia looked down at the baby in her arms. She began to feed him. His eyes looked up at her and she shuddered involuntarily. She slowly started to tell Malek about the dream. “When I found Kain he was older – about nine or ten. His eyes glowed.“

Malek kissed her. “Nothing like that will happen. Selmak and Delek are arguing our case before the council. No one is going to take him.” He took the now sleeping baby and laid him gently in the cot. “Hon, even if the worst happens and they punish us, I will not let them take our son.” He looked at her intently. "We will do everything in our power to protect you and Kain. You have our word."

Talia nodded. “I know you will. It's just…” She broke off as Delek came into the room.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, sweeping over to them.

“I am fine,” she said shortly.

Delek crossed to the cot and looked down at the sleeping baby. “He is a beautiful child.” He looked at Talia. “The council are reconvening in an hour. What are your plans?”

“A long hot bath and dinner.”

Delek half smiled as Malek laughed. “That was not what I meant. What would you like to see to happen?”

“Aside from the head of those that betrayed us on a platter? I want to keep my son and my mate intact and safe.” She paused. “Can you do something for me?”

“If I can. What do you need?”

“Can you look after Kain for half an hour please? I could really do with a bath.”

Delek's face was a picture.

Talia smiled at him. “Please. Neither Malek nor I have had a bath since this started and I am sore. I wouldn't trust anyone else with him.” She didn't entirely trust Delek but she wanted Malek to go with her. “We'll take the escort.”

“I do not know anything about babies.”

Talia swung her feet off the bed and stood up. “He shouldn't wake as he has just been fed. There are diapers on the side there.” She noticed the look of horror deepen. “Please Delek. I can't appear in front of the council like this.”

Delek nodded. “Alright. Half an hour with the escort. No longer. Now go before I change my mind.”

Talia bent over the cot and dropped a light kiss on the baby's forehead. “Mam won't be long Kain. Be good for Uncle Delek now.”

Malek shook his head. “Do not push your luck,” he said quietly.

Talia smiled at Delek. “Thank you.”

“You are welcome,” he replied trying to sound enthusiastic.

For half hour or so Talia and Malek soaked in the waters, chatting and kissing. For a while they forgot the axe hanging over them and the guards outside the doorway. There were faint sounds of shouting echoing down the corridor. Talia looked at Malek. “Wonder what that is?”

“Not my problem,” Malek replied. “It is Delek's.”

Talia nodded. She looked at the doorway and grimaced. “I suppose breakfast would be pushing it,” she said slowly.

The guard stuck his head round the doorway. “Time's up!”

Malek looked at her. “It would. We are in enough trouble right now without making things worse for ourselves.”

Talia slowly got out of the water and wrapped herself in the towel. She rubbed herself down not wanting to go back.

Malek got up and dried, just as reluctant as Talia. He could feel how scared Jared was, knowing what they were going back to.

Just as they were putting on their boots Jacob came in. His face was paler than usual. “Talia… Malek.”

Talia stood up and looked at him, fear stabbing her. “What's happened?”

Cutting straight to the chase Jacob spoke slowly. “There was an incident in the healing chambers about ten minutes ago. Delek was attacked and severely beaten.”

Talia took a deep breath, her hand searching blindly for Malek's. “Kain?”

“Gone. We are searching the base now, but…”

“Nooooo!” Talia pushed past him and ran down the tunnels to where she had left Kain, Malek on her heels. The Tok'ra in the halls parted as they ran. There were 2 guards on the door to the healing chambers and they parted to allow them in. Both Talia and Malek stopped dead, taking in the broken furniture and blood on the floor. Then Talia made her way to the cot. The covers had been pushed to one side, a dent on the cloth where he had laid his head.

In a daze Talia laid her hand in the space, it was cold. She picked up the cloth and pressed it to her face. It smelt of him. Anguish welled up inside her and falling to her knees she began to scream, tears pouring from her in a never ending stream.

Malek dropped to his knees beside her, tears in his own eyes. He wrapped his arms around Talia holding her tightly.

Talia didn't say anything. She just sat there crying. Half grateful that Elise was still unconscious and half wishing she was awake and could take over.

Malek didn't know what to say or do. He just sat there trying to comfort Talia and Jared, his own heart breaking within him.

No one disturbed them for a few minutes. Jacob came in and moved over to Delek who was sat on the other side of the room. “Thought you should see this,” he said handing him a padd. “It was on your desk.”

Delek took it and read it. “You have got to be kidding me!” he hissed. “Have you read it?” He watched Jacob nod and then turned back to it.

Malek looked up. “What is it?” he asked.

Delek's face was grim. "The kidnappers are Tok'ra. They say as the council have not yet acted to remove the threat that Kain poses they will."

At his words, Talia pulled away from Malek. “I left him in your care!” she screamed. “How could you let them take him?” She launched herself at Delek raining blows on him.

Malek immediately pulled her off him. “Talia!” he said holding her firmly. “Look at him; he was injured trying to stop them from taking him.”

Talia ignored the bruise on Delek's face and the cut on his arm that Aryan was healing. “He's on the council, he voted for this in the first instance. I wouldn't be surprised if he is in league with the snakes that took him! Let me go.”

Malek looked at her. “Not until you have calmed down.”

“Calm??! They stole my son and you want me to calm down?”

Malek looked at her. “Our son… We are hurting too. Killing Delek will not bring Kain back.”

“I am sorry,” Delek said. “If I could undo what happened I would. I tried my best. I did not get a good look at them. Kain had woken up and was crying. I picked him up and heard something. Someone rushed me and tried to take Kain from me. I fought back, protecting him as much as I could. Then I got knocked to the floor and they took him.”

Talia buried her face in Malek's shoulder, her eyes filling with tears, the pain of searing loss encompassing everything she knew.

Aldwin came in. “We have finished searching the base and found nothing. This was at the gate.” He held out one of the blankets that Kain had been wrapped in. “They have fled. We have no idea where they have gone.”

Darkness over came Talia, filling the gaping hole within her and she fell.

Malek reacted quickly catching Talia before she hit the ground. He slowly lifted her and placed her on the bed gently. She was completely out of it. “Talli...” He shook her slightly not getting any reaction of any kind. Aryan rushed over and pushed Malek out of the way.

After a few agonizing moments Aryan looked up. "She will be fine. I would imagine that she is just overwhelmed by everything. Her BP, pulse and breathing all seem to be within acceptable limits. She should regain consciousness shortly."

Malek relaxed slightly as Jacob walked back into the room. His eyes flashed as Selmak took control. “We have completed a head count of the base personnel. All except for 3 are accounted for.” She handed a data padd to Delek. “Harvira, Va'lar, and Ohlarin. The same three it appears told the council that Talia was pregnant.”

“What?” Malek exploded. “Are you saying that my own personal guard betrayed me and took my son?”

Delek took a moment to look over the names. “Malek's personal guard? There have been no problems that I am aware of.”

Malek held his hand out for the padd and looked over it instantly. “Harvira is radical, immature. He does not agree with the way we operate concerning the Goa'uld. He believes that we should take a more aggressive approach. But his work has been flawless.” He broke off as Talia moaned. He took hold of her hand. “Talli?”

Talia could hear Malek calling her from a long way off. She didn't want to go – she wanted to stay in the dark. There was something she didn't want to face if she woke, a dark heaviness hung over her dragging her down. Intense sadness filled her, for an instant she forgot then it all came rushing back, hitting her with an intensity she hadn't thought possible. Kain! Her eyes sprung open. “Nooooo!” she cried.

Malek pulled her into a tight hug, letting Jared fore. “We're here hon,” he whispered. “And I know it hurts. It hurts so much. But we have to trust the others to help us here. We'll get him back, I promise.”

Delek looked at her. “Have you ever had cause for concern with Harvira, Va'lar or Ohlarin?”

Talia shook her head. “Malek's personal guard? No of course not. Why?”

Jared looked at her. “It looks as if they were the ones that told the council and took Kain,” he said slowly, battling with the intense feelings of betrayal filling him.

“What?” she whispered.

“They never said anything to you about moving on or something you thought suspicious?” Jacob asked.

“Harvira was talking a few weeks ago. He said he always had somewhere to go if things went wrong – a safe haven. The six cities of refuge that kept scared men alive or something like that.”

Malek took control and looked at her. “I have heard of this place. According to legend, there are six cities which are separated by great distances yet are all an equal distance from a centre city. The centre is like a capital of a kingdom. The ruling body basically keeps out of the business of those who visit except for the tributes it receives from each individual city.”

Delek listened with interest. “Do you know the location of this planet?”

Malek shook his head. “Unfortunately no. However, I do believe I know someone who does.”

“Where?”

“An operative I sent out several years ago. If I find him then I will find the information we need.” He looked at Talia. “I assume you want to come?”

“Try stopping me,” she said. “I will do anything necessary to get him back.” She shot a look at Delek. “And the council had better not try to take him away from me once I do.”

“I will pack for the three of us,” Jacob said moving away from the bed heading for the door.

Malek looked at him. “Talia and I are not asking you to go with us. No one else needs to be put in danger because of this whole mess.”

“I promised to help find him and I intend to.” Jacob insisted.

Delek looked at them, wanting to go as well, but knowing that too many would make the mission impossible.
”I will remain here and work on convincing the council to see sense,” he said.

Malek nodded gratefully. “Thank you.” He sat with Talia for a while wanting to leave but knowing they needed to let Jacob pack first. Finally Jacob came back into the room. Malek looked over at him. “Ready to go?”

Jacob nodded. "Yes." He looked at Talia. “Talia are you sure you are up to doing this? You had a rough week and still haven't fully recovered from the birth itself. It might be best if…”

“I'm fine,” Talia cut him off abruptly. “I am going like it or not.” She stormed out of the room, leaving the others to catch her up.

At the gate several armed Tok'ra were keeping watch. “Nothing like shutting the stable door now the horse has bolted,” Talia muttered.

Malek nodded. “Jared keeps saying that this would not have happened if I were still running the base.”

Talia looked at him. “Says the man whose own guard betrayed us to the council.”

Malek looked at her, hurt by the vehemence in her words. Jared wanted to bite back with a retort of his own but Malek refused. Now was not the time for them to argue. He dialled the DHD and the wormhole whooshed out. The three of them moved through without a backwards glance.

--- ---

It was nightfall when they arrived and Jacob and Malek swiftly decided the best thing was to find an inn and then go and track down the contact in the morning. Talia didn't want this but knew she really wasn't up to wandering the streets right now. They found an inn and Jacob booked two rooms. He took one and Malek and Talia took the other. He'd promised Delek not to let them out of his sight, but drew the line at watching them all the time. Malek had given his word not to run and Jacob believed him.

Malek made Talia lie down. He knew she wasn't feeling well and if he was honest was worried that Elise had still not come fore at all. He held her gently until she fell asleep and then drew the scanner from his bag, giving her a thorough check up.

Talia seemed to drift in and out of sleep but never fully resting. Her thoughts floated from one thing to another never staying on one thing for too long.

She was walking in a meadow, the grass was moving in the wind. Looking up she could see clouds, white ones just drifting in the sky. In the distance she could see people moving across the field towards the gate. One in particular looked as if he was carrying something in his arms though she could not make out who or what it was. Talia moved over to the Stargate and as she approached someone appeared. He seemed not to notice her. She recognized the figure but couldn't remember where she had seen him. She watched as he hit some of the glyphs on the gate then looked up again. Apparently seeing nobody he finished of the address and ran through the Stargate as soon as the wormhole was established .

Talia jerked awake, a single cry piercing her very soul. “Kain!”

Malek was awake in an instant, drawing her into his arms. Struggling with his own grief he held her as she cried. Finally it grew too much and he cried too.

Talia tightened her arms round him, there for him as he was there for her.

The following morning Jacob met them in the small dining room. “Morning,” he said. “I took the liberty of ordering for you both.”

Jared nodded. “Thanks.” They'd decided that for now the hosts should be fore so as not to arouse suspicion from either the locals or the jaffa. He pulled the chair out for Talia. “Just a little hon,” he told her. “You need to keep your strength up.”

The inn keeper came over with a tray containing three plates of piping hot food and a flask of herbal tea. He placed it on the table, setting a plate in front of each of them. Then he left them.

Jared and Jacob started eating. Neither particularly hungry but eating regardless.

Talia poured the tea then picked up her fork. She pushed the food round the plate hoping they would think she had eaten something.

Jared looked at her. “Hon please… you can't find him if you are sick.”

Talia looked at him, her eyes full of tears again, but she nodded and started to eat slowly, managing half of what was on the plate.

After breakfast the three of them set off through the narrow streets. Malek found he remembered the way despite only having been there once before and gave Jared directions. It was a twenty minute walk before they reached the house. Jared knocked once and waited. There was no answer even though the light was on inside. Knocking again he then pushed open the door.

They all stopped short at the sight that greeted them. Red was Talia's first thought, the room was red. She turned away feeling sick.

Jared crossed to the body and checked for a pulse. He shook his head needlessly. The Tok'ra had died a violent death, both symbiote and host dying separately.

Talia walked out of the room and stood shaking on the other side of door. A fresh wave of grief washed over her. <How do we find Kain now?> Everything seemed to be happening from a distance again. She could hear the others talking.

Jacob tried to sound encouraging. “It is not necessarily related.”

“Maybe so, but he was the only one who knew the co ordinates to Jericho . Without him we cannot find Kain,” Jared whispered.

The words seemed to echo and last for ever, hanging in the still air, the scent of death clinging to her. Even her own voice seeming to come from a distance, Talia said, “Then we search every planet in the galaxy for him. Don't care how long it takes. If it takes 1000 years I will find him.”

Jared crossed over to Talia and pulled her into a hug, his own grief mixing with hers.

Jacob finished searching the house and moved over to them placing a hand on Jared's shoulder. “We should go.”

Jared nodded and helped Talia to her feet. They put a fair distance between then and the house then stopped along the side of the road for a moment. “Where to now?” Jared asked.

“Back to the inn for now. Less chance of being overheard there.” Jacob said and headed off.

Jared wrapped an arm round Talia and followed Jacob. He could almost hear Malek's brain whirring as he tried to work out where to go next. He was grateful when they reached the inn and got back up to their rooms. He suggested to Jacob that they go into his as Talia could then lie down.

Talia sat on the bed and closed her eyes. She felt sick and dizzy.

“Are you alright?” Jacob asked sharply. “You've gone pale.”

“I…” Talia felt someone grab her and push her head downwards.

“Deep breaths hon,” Jared told her.

She took several deep breaths but it didn't help. She was vaguely aware of the door opening and closing then a few minutes later it opened again.

“Drink this,” Jacob told her raising her head slightly and putting the cup to her mouth.

Talia took one sip of the hot sweet liquid then pushed it away.

“More,” he insisted.

As she drank her head stopped spinning and the colour gradually returned to her cheeks.

Then he handed her the plate of stew. “Eat it,” he said.

Talia glanced over at Jared. He was eating as well, with more enthusiasm that Talia felt for it. “Not hungry,” she said pushing the plate away.

Jared looked up at her. “We are gating out in an hour. If you don't eat you don't come. And don't even think about arguing. We will dial the base and send you through the chappa'ai kicking and screaming or bound and gagged if need be.” He paused, lightening his tone. “Hon, I know you want Kain back, Mal and I do too, but starving yourself isn't going to help. It'll just make you sick. Please?”

Talia took the plate and reluctantly ate, not even bothering to say that right now eating made her feel sicker than not eating. She wished Elise were awake but there was nothing. She glanced over at Jared, wondering if she should say something, but decided not as he had enough worries etched on his face right now. “Where are we going?” she asked.

Jacob looked at her. “I found a padd while searching the house. It had a set of co-ordinates on it.” He held it out to her.

Talia glanced at it, recognising them from her dream. “I saw that,” she whispered, thinking they would laugh at her.

Jared looked at her. “Where?” he asked.

“In a dream,” she said quietly. She described it to them, still expecting them to laugh.

Jared looked at her. “Then maybe we are on the right track,” he said quietly. He put his plate down and hugged her. “I love you hon,” he told her. “We'll find him and bring him home.”

--- ---

Cold, bitter cold. They emerged from the gate into a blizzard. The dark brown Tok'ra clothing they wore was adequate for most types of weather but this was too much. Jared pulled up the collar of his tunic covering up the back of his neck. He wrapped his arms around himself. The gate shut down bringing the wind blasting them from behind as well. He felt Malek adjust his internal temperature and knew that Selmak was doing the same for Jacob. However Talia did not have that advantage, even though that advantage would not hold for long in this temperature. He turned to Jacob and cupping his hands over his mouth yelled through the howling wind. “We can't stay out in this very long.” The snow was almost vertical and coming down so hard it physically hurt. “We need to find shelter.”

Jacob nodded and pointed in a direction away from the Stargate.

Jared saw his lips move but couldn't make out the words over the wind. He just nodded as Jacob took the lead.

Talia stumbled through the blinding snow trying to keep up with the others. She was cold and without Elise, she couldn't get warm. She rubbed her arms, wrapping them across her chest.

After what seemed like a lifetime but was probably no more than ten minutes they came to a village. Jacob headed for the inn. The warmth hit them as they entered, snow swirled round their feet. The proprietor came over to them. “Well met fair travellers. Welcome to World's Centre. I assume you require accommodation?”

“Please,” Jacob replied.

“I only have the one room. Will that be a problem?”

Jacob looked at Jared.

Jared shook his head. “My wife and I have no objections to sharing with my father,” he said.

Jacob shook his head slightly. He took they key from the proprietor and led the way up to their room.

As soon as they entered the room and Jacob closed and locked the door, Malek came fore and headed over to the bed. He picked up one of the blankets, handing it to Talia. “Here you go.”

Talia smiled slightly and wrapped it around her. “Thank you.”

Malek nodded and picked up another blanket wrapping it tightly around Talia. “It is cold out there.”

Talia nodded, her teeth chattering as she shivered violently.

The wind was howling outside and the storm didn't look like it was going to let up anytime soon. Jacob had moved over to the fireplace that was on one side of the room. There was wood already in it. Jacob quickly worked to light in and shortly after the fire was already warming the room.

Malek drew Talia close to the fire and sat her down next to it.

“We'll have to stay here till the blizzard lets up.” Jacob said as he sat down in one of the chairs near the fireplace. “To be honest, I'm not really all that sure where here is other than these are the coordinates you said you saw in your dream and they were the ones that Adair had on the padd.”

“Yeah,” she said quietly.

Malek looked anxiously at Talia. She was pale and looked on the verge of tears. Malek pulled Talia into a hug. “We will find him. I promise you that.”

Jacob left and came back with the hot food and drinks that they had been promised by the proprietor. “Here this will help you warm up. I don't think this fire is getting hot enough to keep the room warm.”

Malek looked at him then back to Talia who really didn't look like she wanted anything to eat. “Perhaps just the drink hon.”

Talia nodded and took the cup Jacob offered.

Malek took one of the mugs and sipped it in the hope that it would encourage Talia to do the same.

Once they had finished their meal, Jacob got up and moved over to the window. “Looks like this blizzard isn't going to let up anytime soon. Perhaps you two should get some sleep.”

“What about you?”

“I'll read for a bit and then sleep. You two take bed.”

Malek nodded and looked at Talia. “Ok,” he said. “Come on hon. Even if you do not sleep at least lie down with me.”

Talia nodded, she was more tired than she wanted to admit. She lay down on one side of the double bed, still wrapped in the blanket.

Malek curled up behind her, using his body heat to warm her still cold body. He pulled the covers tightly round them. He heard her breathing slow as she fell asleep, only then allowing himself to sleep too.

Jacob took the remaining blankets and the spare pillow from the closet and curled up on the floor by the fire. He too soon fell asleep.

--- ---

The next morning they went down for breakfast in the dining room. It was still snowing. Malek ordered for Talia, hoping she would eat without too much fuss this morning. He was using Jared's voice even though he was fore. He took a long sip of the herbal tea. “We know nothing of this world,” he said. “If this is where Kain was taken we have no idea where to go.” He glanced at Talia. “Please hon, at least eat some of it. It is several degrees below freezing out there.”

Talia nodded, forcing herself to eat what was on her plate. There was still nothing from Elise. She wondered if healing her and helping with the delivery had been too much for her and she was now dying within her.

Jacob looked over at them. “I suggest we go clothes shopping first. Get some thick coats.”

Talia got up and excused herself, leaving the room.

Jacob looked at Malek. “I'm worried. Elise should have recovered by now.”

Malek nodded. “I know. She does not want to worry me by saying anything, but I worry anyway.”

Jacob nodded. “I'll check her over later on.”

“Thank you.”

They waited for Talia to come back. Malek noted how pale and drawn she looked. He pulled her close to him and hugged her. “Are you sure you are alright?” he asked.

She nodded. “Just cold.”

“Let's go get the coats then,” Jacob said. “We'll keep the room here for tonight.”

They followed him from the room and they left the inn. It was bitterly cold outside. Their breath hung in the air. The early morning sun reflected brightly off the deep crisp snow. Talia hugged herself in a feeble effort to keep the cold out. She felt cold to the core and doubted if she would ever feel warm again.

They reached the market and Malek and Jacob headed towards the clothes stall. Talia caught Malek's arm, pulling him to one side. “I have to find a pharmacy. Could I have…?”

Malek shook his head. “We all stick together,” he said.

Talia looked at him. “Can't you take Jacob with you and look at the coats? I won't be minute… it's just over there.”

“He will not like it. And neither do I.”

“Please. Two minutes. I'll find you.”

Malek nodded reluctantly “Fine but I am not happy.” He handed her something to trade with and caught Jacob up.

Talia turned and had gone two maybe three steps when someone caught hold of her arm. She gasped as she was turned round. “What are you doing?”

She looked up at Jacob. “Two minutes. Please. There is just something I need to get.”

“We stick together. We'll get the coats then we can do what you need.” Without giving her a chance to object he kept hold of her arm and led her back to Malek.

Stewing quietly, Talia didn't make a scene. She bided her time. After a few minutes Jacob let go of her and let her walk on her own. There were a lot of people around. Waiting for just the right time, which came as they reached the clothing section, Talia slipped away knowing that in this crowd it would take a few minutes before they realised she had gone, by which time she would have finished and found them again.

Walking quickly for two reasons, mainly because it was cold and secondly to get back to the others before they missed her she moved over to the tiny shop. Talia took a deep breath and pushed open the door of the shop. Ten minutes later it was done and there was no going back. She shoved the package into her tunic and headed back to where she had last seen the others.

Malek picked up a jacket and turned to show Talia. “This looks your size hon…” He broke off. He turned to Jacob. “Where did she go?”

“Dammit!” Jacob swore. He turned round to go and look for her.

Talia was heading back to where she left the others, when an arm gripped her and turned her round. She looked into Jacob's eyes, startled by the blistering anger blazing from them.

“Which part of WE STICK TOGETHER don't you understand??” he said angrily, keeping his voice low so as not to arouse too much attention. “Where were you??!”

“I said. I had to go and do…” she began. She looked for Malek but couldn't see him.

“I told you we would all go together. Where were you?”

“There was something I had to go and get that's all.”

She looked up as Malek came over; the relief short lived as he looked as upset as Jacob.

Although Malek was relieved that they were okay, anger edged his voice. “Are you crazy??”

<Malek calm down. They are safe that is all that matters.> Jared was just as worried for them but he didn't want to push them right now. <Talia is on a knife edge here; we are too for that matter, but she is coping with this without Elise. At least you and I have each other.>

“Talia. I am sorry if I sound so harsh. You just scared me. I have lost enough the past two days.
I do not want to lose you as well.”

“Sorry…” she whispered. She swallowed hard, the ever present tears pricking her eyes again.

Jacob looked at them. This was pushing both of them to the limit. “Let's just go and get these jackets.”

Talia nodded and they followed Jacob back into the shop and over to the coats. It didn't take long before they each picked one out that fitted them. Then she followed as the others began to search and ask questions. But no one knew anything and if they did they were not saying.

Talia grew tireder and tireder as the day went on. By late afternoon she was struggling to keep up.

Malek glanced round for her again and saw her leaning against a wall. He rushed back to her. “Hon?”

She looked at him, her eyes not wanting to stay open. “Mal… I don't feel so…”

Her eyes closed and she would have fallen had Malek not quickly pulled her into his arms.

“Jacob!” Malek called. He carried Talia across to him. “We should go back to the inn.” He didn't wait for Jacob's reaction but set of quickly for where they were staying. When he got there he went straight to the room and laid Talia on the bed. “Talli?” He grabbed the scanner running it over her.

Jacob shut the door and moved over to him. “Malek?” he asked.

Malek handed him the scanner. “I should never have let her come,” he whispered. “We are going to lose her too.”

Jacob looked at the scan. Her BP was through the floor, sugar levels so low they were almost off the scale and she was exhausted. He looked up. “Let me treat this,” he said gently. He picked up the healing device and began to work.

--- ---

The next morning Jacob shook Malek awake shortly after 8am . “We need to talk.”

Malek sat up, awake instantly. “What is wrong?” he asked.

Jacob looked at him. “After you were both asleep last night, this fell out of Talia's pocket.” He held out a harakash.

Malek looked at it in shock. He was about to respond when he felt Talia sit up beside him.

“That's mine,” a voice shaking with anger said quietly. She held her hand out for it. ”I want it back.”

Jacob closed his eyes briefly then turned to face a furious Talia. “You know very well the Tok'ra don't use them.”

“It's mine!” she insisted. “And I want it back.”

Malek looked at her. “Where did you get it? Is that what you disappeared for yesterday?”

She nodded slowly, still holding her hand out for it.

“No wonder you went off of your own to get it and would not tell us what you did. Why?” Malek asked.

“Because it might come in useful…” Talia saw the look that Malek and Jacob exchanged and a chill went through her.

Jacob shook his head. “I can't do that Talia,” he said slowly and heavily. “You know very well that it's the device that the Ashrak use to extract information and kill with.”

Talia glared at him. “It might be useful when we do eventually track down those people that took Kain.”

Malek looked at her. “They will get what is coming to them,” he told her. “But if we deny our principals to get him back, we are no worse than those that took him in the first place.” He paused. “My love… Jacob has a point. We can not use it. I am sorry,”

Talia looked at him. “I thought you would agree…” she whispe